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The Second of the National League South playoffs sees Maidstone host Aveley at the Gallagher Stadium.
Maidstone made national headlines after reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup, before losing to eventual semi-finalists Coventry. However, their league form has also been impressive, with George Elokobi leading them to a fourth-place finish in an extremely successful season.
Much of this success has owed to the home form, with Maidstone boasting 48 points from 23 at home, accumulating a +22 goal difference. A strong end to the season that saw The Stones win eight from ten saw them comfortably come fourth, although a shock 3-1 defeat to an out-of-form Truro killed their chances of a top 3 finish.
Regardless, this season was much needed for Maidstone after coming rock bottom of the National League on 25 points. A poor season could've seen crowds dwindle and start a decline, so Elokobi needed to steady the ship.
Maidstone are a very well-rounded team. Only six teams outscored them this season, while only four sides conceded fewer.
George Fowler won the Maidstone Player of the Year award last season and was a bright light in a dim season for The Stones. To the delight of every Maidstone fan, the defender signed a new contract in the summer and again has been crucial at the heart of the defence.
Aveley are easily the surprise package in the league. The Millers are chasing a third consecutive promotion after winning the Isthmian Premier Division playoffs last year. Their rise through the ranks has been meteoric, showcased by their record attendance of 1,321 in the season-ender at home to Bath.
Danny Scopes's side ended the season very strongly, winning five of their last eight games to arrive in the playoffs on the final day. Aveley were arguably the most consistent team in the league, gaining 38 points at home and 35 away, scoring 68 and conceding 61.
Aveley completed a shock double over Maidstone, with 0-1 and 2-0 wins over The Stones.
After departing to join Greek side Nafpaktiakos in 2018, much-adored midfielder Garrett Kelly re-signed for the 2021/2022 season, signing a contract extension last summer. The 28-year-old is tenacious and hard-working, summing up this Aveley side perfectly. His steely style of play often sees him in the referee's notebook, picking up 10 yellows and one red this season.
For most neutrals, Aveley would be the team to route for in the playoffs. Their rise has been fairytale-like, so a third consecutive promotion would be the icing on the cake. To make matters harder, all three games would have to be away from home if they are to qualify for the latter stages. However, it feels the playoffs are a step too hard for The Millers.
They travel to a Maidstone side who excel at home and had they not gone deep in the cup could've perhaps challenged Yeovil at the top of the table. The cup run did showcase The Stones ability in one-off cup games and with a big crowd behind them at Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone look at favourable odds to secure the win.
Prediction: Maidstone To Win @1.80
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