Maidstone were beaten by a cruel late goal by runaway Ryman League Premier Division leaders Chelmsford City at Bourne Park on Saturday.

Having been beaten 7-0 by Chelmsford earlier this season, United packed the midfield in an effort to nullify the goalscoring threat of the visitors and the two teams cancelled each other out for large parts of the match as they battled against a strong wind.

The only goal of the game came two minutes from time when James Lawson drilled in a shot that Stones keeper Steve Northwood did well to parry at his near post, but the rebound fell kindly for Dean Palmer to stab home from close range.

Maidstone enjoyed plenty of pressure and corners but failed to seriously test Chelmsford keeper Danny Gay.

The Stones now face a huge game at East Thurrock United, who sit one place above them in the table, on Monday.