Maidstone United midfielder Johl Powell on extending his loan move from Charlton Athletic and scoring his first senior goal

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 01 April 2022

Johl Powell has ticked off one of his two big wishes at Maidstone.

Powell has seen his one-month loan from Charlton extended until the end of the season - just as the young midfielder wanted.

Johl Powell celebrates with his mum and dad at full-time after his late winner for Maidstone against St Albans Picture: Steve Terrell

And with that sorted out, he can get on with the second part of his Maidstone mission - to help them the National League South title.

He’s certainly doing his bit on that front, scoring the 96th-minute winner against St Albans that sent Hakan Hayrettin’s side four points clear of Dorking at the top.

He finished Christie Pattisson’s cross to earn the points after Maidstone had lost a two-goal lead.

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The buzz of scoring his first senior goal and sending 2,500 home fans into raptures will live with him for a long time.

It was the perfect way to mark his loan extension after coming off the bench midway through the second half.

Powell said: “I spoke to the gaffer and Terry (Harris, No.2) last Tuesday, they pulled me in the office and said they’d like to extend the loan and what were my thoughts?

"I said I’d be delighted to stay until the end of the season. That’s what I wanted.

“I’d been left out of the last couple of squads and I think that gave me more motivation to work hard in training and get back in the team.

“I’ve come off the bench and shown what I can do.

Contrasting emotions after Johl Powell's injury-time winner against St Albans Picture: Steve Terrell

"Hopefully we win the league, that’s what I’ve come here to do and hopefully I can contribute with more goals like that.

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“That was my first experience of scoring in front of the fans and it was an unbelievable feeling.

“I can’t really describe it but it’s one of the best feelings I’ve had on the football pitch.”

Powell, 20, has made three first-team appearances for Charlton, in Football League Trophy and League Cup ties, but is mainly part of the under-23s.

The Addicks are keeping tabs on him and know his time at Maidstone will only help his development.

“So far the feedback’s been really positive,” he said.

“It was positive after my debut (3-2 win v Hungerford), when I got in the league’s team-of-the-week, and I think it will be quite positive after today as well.

"I think they might have had a few people watching the game.

“It’s my first senior goal, so I’m delighted with that.”