Pre-season preparations continue on Tuesday evening with a visit to Maidstone United of the National League South

From The Managers

Speaking following Saturday’s win over Faversham Town, Micheal Everitt said:

“I think this pre-season we’ve had different tests and it’s definitely going to be a test at Maidstone. They’re very ambitious and want to get back up into the National League and to go there it will show us what we need to do going forward. We need to do things a bit better and that’s what we will work for.”

Roland Edge spoke on Monday:

“Maidstone are a side set up both on and off the pitch for National League football. They have real quality all over the pitch and are sure to make it a tough nights work for the team which at this stage of preseason is ideal preparation for the season fast approaching.”

Previously

Maidstone United visited us last summer for Ian Draycott’s testimonial, winning the match 2-1. Invicta last visited the Gallagher Stadium in 2018 for the Kent Senior Cup final, losing on penalties. 

The Opposition

Maidstone United appointed former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender George Elokobi as caretaker manager back in January following the departure of Hakan Hayrettin, before making the appointment permanent in March. 

Having won the National League South in 2021/22, Maidstone finished bottom of the National League last season and will be looking to bounce back this campaign. 

The Stones have lost their last three pre-season fixtures away to Leatherhead, Bromley & Horsham but have yet to concede at home so far, beating Sheppey United 1-0 before a goalless draw with Chatham Town. 

Former Arsenal & Gillingham defender Gavin Hoyte has been appointed captain ahead of the new season.

Summer incomings include winger Razzaq Coleman De-Graft who Invicta faced last season while at Lewes. 

The Stadium

The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, ME14 1LQ

The Gallagher Stadium has a capacity of 4,200 including 750 seats in the main stand. The Genco Stand is a large terrace behind the northern end of the goal that usually houses away supporters, including Invicta supporters for the 2018 Kent Senior Cup final.

Admission

Admission is all pay on the gate. All under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Travel

Maidstone East is the nearest station to the Gallagher Stadium and also has plenty of parking available. Trains take just over an hour, changing at Ashford Intl Station running twice an hour before the match and with 4 trains running back to Folkestone after, with the last train leaving Maidstone at 0:30 on Wednesday morning for any that wish to sample the Maidstone nightlife before returning home!