Maidstone Hockey Club Match Reports

                                               Saturday 8th December 2012                   

Men’s 1st XI

Away v Purley

Score:  D  2-2

Scorers:  Joe Martin, Jon Cooper

A Battling Draw

Maidstone men’s 1s  put their dismal display against Lewes behind them with a battling draw against third placed Purley. A very tight first half saw the game ebb and flow as both sides fought for dominance. Although both sides played some nice hockey neither was able to manufacture any clear cut chances. Maidstone’s best chance was a first time shot from a very wide angle which skewed wide and Purley’s came from a short corner which was easily repelled by the Maidstone defence.  As the half drew to a close it was the home side who started to get the better of the game. The second half started off in the same vain but the first goal came from Maidstone against the run of play as Joe Martin was on the receiving end of a fast counter attack which he coolly finished past the onrushing goalkeeper. Purley reacted to the goal and continued their dominance of the game as Maidstone struggled to maintain possession. Just two minutes after Martin’s goal a second short corner from the home side saw them score a tap-in on the right post and Purley then took the lead after a further eight minutes. After intercepting an errant Maidstone pass they easily worked the ball round the stranded Maidstone goalkeeper. Maidstone reacted with an increase in energy and tempo led by man of the match Will Ostler and after pushing hard were finally rewarded when Jon Cooper tipped in a short corner just 20 seconds from time.

 

Ladies’ 2nd XI

Away v Bromley & Beckenham 3s

Score:  W  2-1

Scorers:  Brogan Cummins, Lesley Price

Working the Ball Around Nicely

Maidstone ladies’ 2s made it 11 wins from 12 after a hard fought victory against a spirited Bromley and Beckenham side. Maidstone started well and created some good early chances as they worked the ball round nicely. Within seven minutes they had taken the lead after an attack down the right saw Player of the match Brogan Cummins drive into the ‘D’ and slot past the goalkeeper. However this also seemed to initiate a change in the Maidstone concentration and the home side gradually played themselves into the game and started to dominate. Despite some good defending Bromley drew level before the half time break as the pressure started to tell. Maidstone came out in the second half with a lot more energy, sensing that they were in danger of losing. Although they still let Bromley have far too much of the game there were some flashes of good play and Maidstone created enough chances to re-take the lead. The Bromley keeper made some good saves but couldn’t keep out an effort from Lesley Price as Maidstone swarmed the Bromley goal. The away side continued to work hard and managed to cling on for victory, seeing out a final short corner with the last play of the game.

 

Men’s 2nd XI

Home v Kent University 1s

Score:  W  3-1

Scorers:  Chris Brinn (2), Richard Chilcott

Buoyant Mood

Maidstone Mens 2s went into the Christmas break in a buoyant mood as they finished off the first half of the season with a 3-1 victory over mid-table Kent University.  Two goals from man-of-match Chris Brinn from penalty corners, and the winner from captain Richard Chilcott, ensured a comfortable victory from the home side.

Maidstone produced a mature performance both in attack and defence.  The defensive unit, bolstered by new-boy Grant, managed the Students’ attacks well, and kept scoring opportunities to a minimum.  Once again, the penalty corner defensive unit rejected each attempt on goal.  The Maidstone boys’ main element of success was the ability to win and retain possession from what was a fast and fit Kent University team.  The midfield absorbed pressure and distributed the ball well, whilst the forwards worked tirelessly to produce probing runs and create space.

This result means the Mens 2s have won two, drawn two and lost one of the last five games, which gives the ideal boost to the side to return better in the new year.   Hopefully the mince pies and turkey curries will not be too evident.

 

Men’s 5th XI

Away v  Cliftonville 3s

Score:  W  3-1

Scorers:  Luke Clarkson (2), David Thompson

But a Tense Finish

This week the youngers stepped up to the plate and scored all 3 goals from left wing to give Maidstone a win when perhaps they were not at their best. Cliftonville opened the scoring before Luke Clarkson coolly slotted home two first half goals when on the left coming in on the far post. Maidstone had to score early in the second half to give them breathing space as Cliftonville raised their game denying Maidstone much possession, and almost a carbon copy goal occurred but this time David Thompson resuming his left wing position calmly controlled the pass to score. A goal back with 15 minutes to go made for a tense finish but Maidstone held on.