Stones chairman pays tribute to fund-raising fans

Sunday 18th March 2007

Maidstone United chairman Mr Paul Bowden-Brown was presented with a cheque for £3,718.50 before the club’s 1-0 win over Horsham YMCA at Bourne Park yesterday.

The money was raised by a group of supporters who walked 42 miles from the site of the club’s new ground at James Whatman Way in the county town to Dover Athletic’s ground at Crabble last month.

THANKS: Maidstone United chairman Mr Paul Bowden-Brown is presented with the cheque.

Photograph courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

“I would like to put on record formally my personal thanks and admiration to those supporters that walked to Dover to raise funds towards our new ground,” Mr Bowden-Brown told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk yesterday.

“As an ever-lasting tribute to these and others who have taken it upon themselves to raise funds, I have made the decision that their individual names and the form of their donation will be placed on a wall of thanks within the new ground.

“I once again thank you for your contribution and ensure you that your personal commitment will help to ensure our long awaited return to Maidstone - our true home.”

Geoff Hunt, James Ingarfield, Chris Smoker, Paul Hawkins, Richard Nott, Ben Ackroyd, Dan Stewart, Steve Abnett, Dave Comfory and Ben Bardell were all rewarded for their support of the Ryman League Division One South leaders yesterday.

Errison Ahwan scored the only goal of the game to dent Horsham YMCA’s play-off hopes as the Stones remain two points clear of second placed side Hastings United - with two games in hand.

Meanwhile, Maidstone United’s Kent Senior Cup quarter-final tie against Nationwide Conference South club Welling United takes place at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground in Old Road, Crayford on Tuesday night.

And the Stones can start dreaming of playing Ryman Premier League football in August if they win at third placed Dulwich Hamlet next Saturday.

The south London side were held to a 1-1 draw at Whyteleafe yesterday and are currently eight points behind the Kent side.

Article and photograph courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Welling United v Maidstone United
Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final
Tuesday 20^th March 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At VCD Athletic Football Club, Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford DA1 4DN