Ladies 1st XI

Away v Cambridge City

Score: D 2 -2

Scorers: Laura Thompson (PC) & Rachel Thompson (PS)

Having swapped places in East Prem & National League East Conference over the past few seasons, Maidstone had not come across this opposition before so weren’t too sure what to expect.

The Kent side were keen to get the season underway and started positively. Unfortunately, however, a scuffle in the D fell to a Cambridge player who expertly dispatched it – putting the visitors 1-0 down early in the game. Maidstone fought hard to get back into it though and created plenty of encouraging chances. Mid way through the first half a short corner was won and a well-worked routine resulted in Laura Thompson (sponsored by Ezy Clean) finding the backboard: 1-1.

The remainder of the first half and the majority of the second saw Maidstone enjoy plenty of possession and create a number of half-chances, however none would sit. Confidence remained high throughout the game and the belief of scoring was evident from every player. Dividends finally paid when Claire Daniels (sponsored by Southcote) earned the team a penalty stroke when she was taken out by the keeper, which Rachel Thompson (sponsored by Whitehead Monckton) placed perfectly in the corner with 2 minutes remaining.

Thinking the visitors had snuck the 3 points at the death, Cambridge managed to force a corner after another scrabble in the D, which unfortunately they converted. With no time remaining to find a(nother) winner, leaving a final score of 2-2.

Disappointed to lose 2 points but the team look forward to hosting Saffron Walden at home at 12:00 this Saturday to pick up the first win of the season.

Player of the Match went to Lizzie McClintock (sponsored by Flaming Porkys)

Men’s 6th XI

Home v South Saxons (f)

Score: W 4-2

Scorers: Simon Wood, George Smyth, Simon Emery (2)

2 goals from Simon Emery helped Maidstone 6’s start their new season with a 4v2 home win against Sussex side South Saxons. With a very different line up to last season, Maidstone took time to adjust and blow out the cobwebs, but gradually started to play some good passing hockey. James Goodbody gave a man of the match performance, with some good attacking midfield play. Simon Wood, and George Smyth both found the net, but the match high lights were the 2 well taken short corner routines that saw Simon Emery net with deflections that left the Saxons keeper stranded.