Maidstone United 2-3 Wrexham - Hayden secures dramatic late win for visitors

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Aaron Hayden's late winner at Maidstone was his 11th goal of the season for Wrexham

Aaron Hayden scored a dramatic late winner as Wrexham beat Maidstone to go level on points with National League leaders Notts County.

Captain Luke Young's brilliant chip gave Wrexham the lead on 29 minutes.

Paul Mullin doubled their advantage from the penalty spot but Jack Barham's two goals looked to have secured a point for Maidstone.

But Hayden's close-range finish from a corner as the game entered stoppage time gave Wrexham the win.

Leading 2-0, Wrexham had moved to the top on goal difference above Notts County, whose game against Chesterfield was postponed.

The visitors went ahead when Mullin's effort was pushed away by Yusuf Mersin into the path of Young, who chipped the ball over the keeper into the empty net.

Sam Corne went close with a curling effort for the hosts but Wrexham looked the more threatening of the two teams.

Mersin had to be at full stretch to deny Anthony Ford's attempt just before the interval.

Looking for a second goal which would take them above Notts County at the top of the table, Wrexham were awarded a penalty.

Joe Ellul fouled Mullin on the edge of the area and the Dragons top-scorer stepped up and gave Mersin no chance with a fine penalty.

But with Wrexham seemingly in full control, Barham scored with a low drive to give Maidstone hope after the Dragons had failed to clear.

And the striker headed home from a cross with 11 minutes remaining and what looked to be a precious points in Maidstone's battle at the bottom of the table.

But Wrexham were not to be denied and from a corner, defender Hayden volleyed home from six yards for a crucial winner as the game entered stoppage time.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said:

"2-0 up we were in control weren't we and I thought we were comfortable in the game. Then we went slack, gave the ball away too cheaply and we've got to be honest and look at ourselves - too many chap giveaways and gave them a bit of a lift.

"We should have been ruthless and gone onto score the third and fourth and killed the game off. That's a valuable lesson for us.

"In terms of getting the winner you can't fault the character of the team again. We never, ever give in."