Fleet Town 0 Maidstone United 1

MAIDSTONE United went top of Ryman League Division 1 South on Tuesday night, after a gritty 1-0 win at fellow promotion contenders Fleet Town.

The Stones dominated the opening stages, with Lee Shearer's third-minute header forcing keeper Justin Gray into a diving stop.

On the quarter hour Ryan Royston was given time and space on the edge of the Fleet area, chesting down a corner and volleying in the game's only goal.

The linesman's flag was raised, indicating that Mo Takaloo was in an offside position, but the referee ruled the striker was inactive and to Fleet's fury the goal stood.

Royston was then the victim of a studs-up tackle from Fleet striker Adam Wallace and the game became increasingly bitter, with Ben White booked for kicking the ball at Takaloo's head when he lay on the ground injured.

In the second half, Fleet's Stu Hemmings smacked a header against the cross bar, but although the home side enjoyed the greater share of possession, Maidstone had the better chances, with Nick Hegley and Alex Tiesse both going close.

The game was delayed when home fans began throwing bottles at Maidstone keeper Pat Mullin and a lit firecracker was thrown into the away end, but luckily nobody was hurt.

The Stones are now three points clear of Dulwich at the top of the table, with a game in hand.

* Keep up to date with all the Stones news every week in the Kent Messenger.