In a thumping victory that saw Shaqai Forde, on loan from Watford, score a hat trick York City beat Maidstone United 4-1.   

Maidstone started promisingly with Jack Barham scoring with just one minute on the clock. Galvin surged forward and a low driven cross across goal was finished by Barham.   

The reply from the Minstermen would come just five minutes later with a flick down from Lennell John-Lewis finished by Forde after miscking his first attempt at the finish.   

Yoan Zouma scored an almost comical own goal just three minutes later when he attempted a pass back under pressure from John-Lewis that had too much power for ‘keeper Barden.   

Two missed efforts from the Ministermen captain John-Lewis were followed up by tame efforts from Maidstone breaks before Forde had his second.  

Timing his run to perfection, despite claims of offside, Forde penetrated the Maidstone defence before finishing with a high powerful drive that Barden could only parry into his own net.   

Barham had another chance spilled by York keeper Ross with the corner resulting in a ferocious volley from former Huddersfield man Regan Booty which flew just over the top right corner of Ross’ goal.   

Fawole and Deacon both missed big chances for Maidstone with Fawole at full stretch not long enough to get on the end of a free kick before Deacon skied a massive chance from the edge of the six-yard box.   

Hat trick for Forde as he hit his low shot into the hand of Barden who didn’t get a strong enough hand to keep it out after a poor header backwards from Joe Ellul allowed Forde through.   

Forde was substituted to a standing ovation before referee Matt Corlett blew for full time.  

Webb had to say “He’s an outstanding player. It was just his natural reaction, and you’ll find that top players do that.”  

The result leaves York 14^th, 5 points off of the playoffs and sees York hitting a much better run of form after ending their nine game unbeaten run last month.   

A memorable first start for Forde and a memorable first match on the side-lines for Webb as City now look onto their FA Trophy fourth round match on Saturday against Chelmsford City.  

Shaqai Forde scored a hat trick as York beat Maidstone 4-1.  

Maidstone took the lead through Jack Barham getting on the end of Galvin’s low driven cross before Forde equalised by finishing from Lennell John-Lewis’ flick on.  

Zouma then scored an almost comical own goal to give the Ministermen the lead overhitting his pass back whilst under pressure from John-Lewis into his own net.   

Twenty minutes then passed before Forde doubled his tally for the match with a smart run timed exceptionally to finish with a powerful hard drive that Maidstone keeper Barden couldn’t keep out.  

Hat trick for Forde with another poor defensive mistake for Maidstone as Joe Ellul headed backwards allowing Forde to finish low past Barden.  

This result leaves City 14^th in the National League and looking forward to their FA Trophy 4^th round match against Chelmsford on Saturday.  

Originally Written: 9th January 2023