Maidstone’s poor form continued when they lost to Adrian Pennock’s Barrow.

It’s 15 games without a National League win for the Stones who saw fellow strugglers Barrow - managed by ex-Gills boss Pennock - take the points with a first-half goal from Luke James.

Maidstone had chances but barely forced a save from Steve Arnold.

A typically big Barrow side, featuring ex-Norwich striker Grant Holt, had the ball in the Stones box a few times in the opening minutes box the hosts were soon on top.

Jamar Loza had a shot cleared off the line after the ball broke from Joe Anderson’s free-kick, then Ross Lafayette flashed a header over from Loza’s flick-on - both good chances

Jordan White missed the target from Asa Hall’s clever pass for Barrow but their man threat was from Dan Jones’ giant long throws.

Maidstone looked to get Blair Turgott involved as much as possible down the left while Loza fired just wide after neat footwork in the box.

The Stones were making most of the running but fell behind in the 31st minute when Luke James scored out of nothing with a low effort that went in off the post.

That took the tempo out of United’s play and the rest of the half was flat, with long-range strikes from Lafayette and Josh Hare - one of four Stones to the Stones XI from last weekend - not troubling Arnold.

The second half came to life around the hour mark when Barrow broke through Besente Gomis, who looked favourite to score, but Stuart Lewis got back and made an important block.

Worgan made a decent save when Hall powered a header goalwards from the corner and the visitors flashed the ball across goal again seconds later.

That kicked Maidstone into action with Hare sending a free header over the bar from Turgott’s corner.

Lewis was everywhere attempting to drag his side back into the game.

They got plenty of balls into the Barrow box, and won several corners, but nothing was falling.

Loza’s trickery created an opening just outside the area but his shot went inches wide and it started to look as though it wouldn’t be Maidstone’s day.

United might have conceded again in the last two minutes, Worgan down well to deny Gomis.

Maidstone threw on loanee Will De Havilland in added time and with his his first touch he set up a chance for Alex Wynter, who nodded wide.

Maidstone: Worgan, Hare, Okuonghae, Wynter, Anderson (De Havilland 90mins), Lewis, Paxman, Reason (Sam-Yorke 72mins), Turgott, Lafayette, Loza. Subs not used: Prestedge, Twumasi, Osei.

Attendance: 2,338 (89 away).