OPPOSITION FOCUS | Maidstone United (A)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

The Key Info

Founded: 1897

Nickname: The Stones

Manager: George Elokobi

Stadium: Gallagher Stadium

Capacity: 4200

The History

Founded in 1897, Maidstone United has a fantastic history attached to their name most notably in recent years. Following the demise of their Football League side, Maidstone were reformed in 1992 and joined the Kent County League Division Four at the beginning of the 1993/94 season. Following a restructuring of the division and two promotions in as many seasons, Maidstone reached the Kent County League Division One, before their promotion to the Premier Division was earned three seasons later. A decade later, the Stones were experiencing relegation for the first time in their history, as the club was in financial trouble.

However, it was the 2014/15 season which saw the Stones achieve promotion to the National League South, whilst they reached the Second Round of the FA Cup. The following season, promotion to the National League was achieved. After experiencing relegation and another promotion, the 2022/23 season saw the Stones relegated to the National League South, where they currently find themselves competing. Last season saw the Stones narrowly miss out with defeat in the Playoff Final against Boreham Wood and sitting just three points adrift of the playoff positions, Maidstone will be looking for a strong second half of the season to push into the playoffs and potentially go one better this year.

The Manager: George Elokobi

In his 3rd season as permanent manager of the Stones following his spell playing at the club, George Elokobi has been quick to achieve some immense success in both league and cup competitions. Having played in the Football League for the majority of his career representing clubs including Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Wolves, he entered management at Maidstone following his retirement in 2022.

He is known for being a motivational figure, helping the club to compete in both league and cup competitions, with notable achievements in the FA Cup and a National League South Playoff Final in recent years. He has created a strong bond between the players and supporters during his time at the club, which shows his importance to the club.

The Skipper: Sam Corne

Joining the Stones at the beginning of the 2019/20 season, Sam Corne has proved an outstanding servant to Maidstone United, increasing his experience at the club. His career started with a rise through the youth ranks at Welling United, before a move to Braintree Town shortly followed.

However, Corne made the move to Greenwich Borough after a year at the Iron, where he made 26 appearances. At the beginning of the 2018/19 season, Corne eventually made a transfer to Ashford United, just a year before his move to Maidstone. Since joining the Stones, Corne has experience in the National League, as well as the FA Cup, where he scored the winner in a 1-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

Last Five:

🟡 DRAW 1-1 vs Torquay United | 17/1/26

🟢 WIN 1-2 vs Hornchurch | 30/12/25

🟢 WIN 1-0 vs Dover | 26/12/25

🟡 DRAW 0-0 vs Hampton & Richmond | 20/12/25

🔴 LOSS 4-3 Pens vs Yeovil Town FA Trophy | 13/12/25

Ones to Watch:

Photo Credit: Helen Golding

Name: Nathan Harness

Joined: July 2025

Position: Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Nathan Harness is another recent addition to the ranks at Maidstone United, joining the Stones on a permanent transfer from League Two side MK Dons. Having worked his way through the academies at Ipswich and Stevenage, Harness contains an impressive CV, with vast experience at National League level with Wealdstone, Gateshead and Southend alongside an appearance at League Two level with MK Dons. Harness has made an excellent first impression so far this season, keeping 11 clean sheets in 24 league appearances.

Photo Credit: Helen Golding

Name: Dajon Golding

Joined: August 2025

Position: Winger

The wing position has been of key importance to Maidstone this season, providing a source of goals which has picked up some vital points this season. Dajon Golding has been a key addition to the Stones this season, having previously been around the English non-league system before moving to Scotland. Joining from Elgin City, Golding scored on his debut against the Tudors which showed an early sign of his ability. He will look to provide creativity in this matchup between two low scoring sides

Photo Credit: Helen Golding

Name: Jephte Tanga

Joined: June 2025

Position: Winger

Alongside the impact that Golding brings to the Stones, Jephte Tanga has also been an important source of creativity this season. Both Tanga and Golding featured in the reverse fixture against the Tudors, with Tanga being a player who likes to run at defenders and create opportunities. This has been key for Maidstone this season as the winger has averaged a goal contribution every three games, which for a team who has scored just 32 league goals so far, means that Tanga is a regular feature in goals for the Stones.