Easter Ryman League Premier Division round-up
09:21, 26 April 2011
Maidstone midfielder Colin Richmond slides in to tackle Folkestone's Liam Dickson at Homelands on Monday Picture: Gary Browne
Maidstone United's miraculous attempt to finish outside the drop-zone in Ryman League Premier Division will go to the final day of the season after back-to-back wins over Easter.
The Stones' incredible run was extended to three wins on the spin and five from six games after a superb 2-1 win at promotion-chasing Bury Town on Saturday - secured by a 93nd-minute penalty winner from Ellis Green - and a 2-0 win over already-relegated Folkestone Invicta on Monday afternoon.
After seeing a spot-kick saved by Invicta keeper Jack Delo, the Stones took the lead from a Colin Richmond penalty on 67 minutes and added a second two minutes later through Alex Flisher.
Invicta - who suffered a 2-0 home defeat to champions Sutton on Saturday - will finish bottom regardless of their result against Lowestoft on the final day.
Tonbridge Angels did Maidstone's survival chances a favour by defeating fifth-bottom Hastings United 2-0 at Longmead on Monday.
Angels bounced back from the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Harrow Borough on Saturday to all but cement their play-off-place in second with a 14th-minute penalty from Danny Walder before a second from Sam Jones 15 minutes from time.
Angels need just a point at Horsham to ensure their place, while Stones need to win at Hornchurch on Saturday and hope Hastings fail to beat Aveley to complete their 'great escape'.
Cray Wanderers overcame Margate 2-0 on Monday but can no longer snatch a play-off place, despite Leigh Bremner's second-half double taking them eighth.
Chris Kinnear's Gate had gone down 3-0 at home to Lowestoft on Saturday and sit 16th going into the final day, though they are seven points clear of the drop-zone.
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