Alfie Pavey scored the winner seconds after coming off the bench as Maidstone beat Chelmsford.

Substitute Pavey headed home with his first touch after Dominic Odusanya’s opener had been cancelled out by ex-Dartford and Ebbsfleet striker Charlie Sheringham.

It was a well-deserved victory for the Stones at a place where they’ve had an awful record over the years and the first time they've won their opening two games since 2014.

Joe Ellul came in for Jerome Binnum-Williams and Christie Pattison replaced Pavey as Maidstone made two changes to the side who beat Hemel.

Ellul’s presence in central defence, after serving a one-game ban carried over from last season, was most welcome.

He was rock-solid at the back, winning his headers, making blocks and sticking in a couple of meaty old-school challenges, and he also carried a threat in the City box, going close when Joan Luque played the ball across the six-yard box.

There was an early scare for the Stones when Freddie Hockey got away down the right and crossed for ex-Gills striker Simeon Jackson, whose low strike was palmed out for a corner by Tom Hadler.

Bar that, City’s threat was largely snuffed out in the opening 45 and Maidstone made most of the running.

Roarie Deacon looked bright down the right, dropping his shoulder and getting a few crosses in and Luque looked dangerous down the opposite flank.

Jake Gallagher volleyed just wide after a clearance sat up from Regan Booty’s free-kick and George Elokobi headed over another Booty set-piece before Luque’s curler, from Christie Pattisson’s backheel, hit the angle of post and bar.

Soon after, Luque tried to catch out Marsden at his near post after Booty’s quick free-kick but the City No.1 got down well.

Maidstone had a big chance at the start of the second half when Ellul’s diving header on halfway went all the way through to Luque who could only lift the ball over.

But the Stones went in front in the 56th minute when Deacon’s inswinging corner was headed home by Odusanya right in front of the travelling fans - his first Stones goal.

Hadler was equal to Dave Winfield’s header from a corner midway through the half - the closest the hosts had been to a goal since that chance in the first couple of minutes.

Luque then saw an effort parried after a lovely ball up the line by Booty opened up the defence and when Deacon had a penalty appeal turned down from the follow-up, there was a spot of afters with the keeper.

From looking comfortable, Maidstone were pegged back in the 81st minute following a mistake by Elokobi.

The Stones skipper underhit a backpass, allowing Sheringham to nip in and round Hadler before slotting the equaliser.

Maidstone sent on Pavey for Deacon and the substitute made an instant impact by heading home Gavin Hoyte’s cross with his first touch to restore the lead on 85 minutes.

Hearts were in mouths in added time when Elokobi was caught out, allowing Tom Blackwell in on goal, but he fired wide.

Maidstone: Hadler, Hoyte, Elull, Elokobi, Brown, Odusanya (Walters 90mins), Gallagher, Booty, Deacon (Pavey 84mins), Pattisson (Phillips 87mins), Luque. Subs not used: Curran, Johnson.

Attendance: tbc

Referee: Andrew Humphries

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