Harry Wheeler’s first game as Maidstone manager ended in defeat.

The Stones lost 2-0 at home to unbeaten National League leaders Harrogate.

It was a sixth straight defeat for the Stones and the fourth game in a row without scoring.

They could have few complaints, despite a late rally, but at least the new man has seen the task at hand.

Wheeler brought loan signing Simon Walton into the side in place of the injured Ollie Muldoon.

The new boss was given a nice reception but early optimism soon gave way to the reality of playing the leaders.

Town almost took the lead inside three minutes when Dominic Knowles’ shot hit the post.

A neat Stones move involving Michee Efete, Shamir Mullings, Stuart Lewis, Walton and Jack Paxman ended with Michael Phillips’ weak shot being easily saved.

But it mainly looked comfortable for the visitors, with United looking particularly vulnerable from crosses.

So it proved as Harrogate took the lead in the 17th minute from a corner. Liam Kitching won the first header, hitting the bar, and Callum Howe reacted quickest to nod in the rebound.

Town doubled their lead a minute before half-time after a poor ball from Andre Coker allowed them to break. Seconds later the ball was with Jack Muldoon, who held off his man and beat Lee Worgan.

Harrogate might have had a third before the break after a rush of blood from Worgan, who ended up near the halfway line, but Alex Finney blocked George Thomson’s strike.

Wheeler replaced Coker with Joe Quigley at the break and the big striker soon won a corner from which James Belshaw denied Mullings.

Paxman fired well over before a clash of heads ended his afternoon, replaced by George McLennan.

Mullings’ deflected header hit the bar and he sent another strike just wide as United attempted to rally.

Harrogate didn’t set the world alight but they didn’t need to do anything extravagant. For them it was a case of don’t do anything stupid and you’ll win the game.

Maidstone: Worgan, Efete, De Havilland, Finney, Twumasi, Walton, Lewis, Coker (Quigley 46mins), Phillips, Paxman (McLennan 71mins), Mullings. Subs not used: Wynter, Robins, Richards. Attendance: 2,222.