A poor first half proved costly as Maidstone lost at 10-man Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday night.

The Ryman League Premier Division leaders fell behind on 13 minutes when a miskick by keeper Lee Worgan landed at the feet of Jamie Calvin who set himself before firing home from 35 yards.

Charlie Moone had an effort ruled out before doubling Hampton's lead with a fine strike after 26 minutes.

The hosts were unfortunate to have Frantz Tchonang Ngessa sent off following a challenge with Jay May on the edge of the Hampton box on 35 minutes.

Hampton keeper Mark Smith saved from Steve Watt while Frannie Collin had an effort blocked as United threatened against the 10 men.

They pulled a goal back in the 69th minute with Billy Bricknell claiming his first Stones goal after Watt met Collin's cross, although Hampton felt it hadn't crossed the line.

Smith did well to deny Alex Brown and May sent a late effort wide as Stones slipped to their fifth defeat of the season.

Title rivals Margate are five points behind with two games in hand.

Maidstone: Worgan, Stones (Greenhalgh 70mins), Mills, Watt, Miles, Rogers (Parkinson 77mins), Bricknell, Brown, May, Collin, Porter. Subs not used: Coyle, Bodkin, Godmon.

Attendance: 339.