Maidstone United thrown off by friendly cancellation

MAIDSTONE United say Covid-19 is “wreaking havoc” with their preparations for the new campaign after cancelling a pre-season friendly with Southend.

The game – due to be played yesterday – was called off due to a positive test in the Stones squad.

It is the second successive week that Maidstone have been left without a game, with Football League newcomers Sutton United pulling out of a planned fixture last weekend after a positive test in their squad.

“If ever we needed a reminder that Covid is still wreaking havoc, then here it is,” said Stones chief executive Bill Williams.

“This is a bitter blow to our pre-season plans, at a time when all you want to do is get minutes under your belt before the season starts.

“I feel for (manager) Hakan Hayrettin and (assistant) Terry Harris, who’d put together a solid programme to get us in the best shape, and for the players who’ve given their all.

“I am equally disappointed for our supporters who were looking forward to seeing their team play at the Gallagher this weekend.”