Maidstone’s lack of spark in front of goal continued at Hemel Hempstead.

They battled away but failed to score for the third successive match in a goalless draw at Vauxhall Road.

It’s now three goals in eight games for the Stones who have Weston breathing down their necks in the final National League South play-off place.

Skipper Sam Corne made a welcome return from a calf injury as Maidstone made five changes to the team who lost to Aveley.

There were also starts for Ben Brookes, Raphe Brown, Arj Krasniqi and Sol Wanjau-Smith.

Temi Eweka, sidelined after a midweek clash of heads, and on-loan Ricardo German, unable to face his parent club, were among those to miss out for the visitors.

There were few chances at either end in a goalless first half that saw both sides look to get the ball forward quickly at times.

For the Stones, Wanjau-Smith saw an effort from the edge of the box parried by Brad House and later hit the side-netting after meeting Brookes’ low ball.

Krasniqi dragged an effort wide after determined work by Aaron Blair, while Blair tested the keeper after cutting inside from the left.

At the other end, Alexis Andre Jr made a fine save after a mistake at the back let early substitute Eoin McKeown in on goal.

Mazeed Ogungbo sent a free header over from the subsequent corner from around the edge of the six-yard box.

The Stones had a good spell of possession towards the end of the first half, moving the ball nicely, but there was no sign of a breakthrough.

Tempers briefly flared early in the second half after a reckless challenge by Hemel captain Kyle Ajayi on Stones counterpart Corne near the touchline.

Ajayi escaped with a yellow card and team-mate Mathew Achuba followed him into the book after a foul on Wanjau-Smith gave Maidstone a free-kick which Charlie Seaman sent into the wall.

When sidelined defender Eweka later told Ajayi he should be in the dressing room during a break in play, the Tudors centre-back smiled and said: “I know.”

The Hemel bench were screaming for a penalty midway through the half when George Williams went down under challenge from George Fowler but referee Daniel Baines stood firm.

Maidstone had a big opening in the last 10 minutes when Corne went through on goal.

But he passed up the chance to shoot and instead laid the ball off to Wanjau-Smith, whose effort was blocked.

Hemel: House, Hamstead, Ogungbo, Ajayi, Tompkins, Wiltshire, Williams, Achuba, Lynch, Omoko-Brosnan (Iaciofano 68mins), Barzey (McKeown 23mins). Subs not used: Light, Smith, Chinedu.

Maidstone: Andre Jr, Seaman, Fowler, Brown, Brookes, Corne, Krasniqi (Trusty 72mins), Higgs, Court (Coulthirst 76mins), Blair, Wanjau-Smith (Johnson 87mins). Subs not used: Holden, Wenham.

Referee: Daniel Baines.

Attendance: 689.