Maidstone United manager George Elokobi to give fringe players first-team opportunities in Kent Senior Cup match at Welling United
05:00, 29 October 2024
updated: 08:10, 29 October 2024
George Elokobi admits Maidstone’s Kent Senior Cup tie at Welling will give him a chance to play some fringe players tonight.
The Stones, looking to retain the cup this season, are to visit Park View Road in the second round (kick-off 7.45pm).
Maidstone are 15th in National League South - only a point ahead of the Wings, having played two league fixtures less - and are on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions after they earned their first home league win this term as they saw off Hemel Hempstead Town 1-0 last weekend.
But neither side are expected to be at full-strength, especially with the Stones at Solihull Moors in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.
“Each and every player has been working exceptionally hard in training to force their way into the team,” said Maidstone manager Elokobi.
“But when the team plays well, there’s only so many changes you can make.
“We have to respect Welling in terms of our preparations but Tuesday night gives us a chance to give some of our fringe players plenty of minutes.”
Stones find out FA Trophy opponents
Report: Maidstone 1-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
Elokobi: Plenty of unselfish work on display in home win
Welling, managed by Rod Stringer, suffered a 2-1 weekend defeat at Dorking despite defender Chiori Johnson’s late consolation. Midfielder TJ Bramble played almost an hour in goal after a first-half injury to Rhys Lovett.
They return to league matters at home to fellow strugglers Chippenham this weekend.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
‘Plumbers charged my elderly relatives £8,560 but settled on £765 when challenged’
22 - 2
Video captures panic as fireworks display goes wrong and ‘boy’s face burnt’
11 - 3
Where 11,000 new homes could be built in district
28 - 4
Family-run garage closes for final time after 92 years of trade
4 - 5
Kent pub 'surrounded by sheep' named one of UK's best to visit in autumn
3