Maidstone started this game strongly and out-paced the visitors for the opening throws, applying relentless pressure. After just 10 minutes Hannah Durston (sponsored by Whitehead Monckton) took a re-start in the 25 quickly, passing it to Lizzie McClintock (sponsored by Flaming Porkys) who unselfishly laid it off to Courtney Cummins (sponsored by 360 Relocations) to finish: 1-0.

Before long the home side doubled their lead when Jody Goodwin got on the end of a long ball allowing Gemma Newman (sponsored by Whitehead Monckton) to hit the backboard: 2-0. A few other chances ensued although unfortunately Maidstone were unable to capitalise on the continued pressure and towards the end of the first half the visitors converted a corner to give them belief of getting something from this game, going into the break at 2-1.

The second half saw the visitors’ belief soar as they were able to control the ball and keep possession well.  It wasn’t long before the visiting side capitalised and equalled the score to make it 2:2. Maidstone regained the lead, however, after a perfectly weighted ball from McClintock gave Cummins a one on one with the keeper who she calmly rounded: 3-2.

Determined not to give up, the West Herts pressure only increased and they forced a number of short corners, which were all well-worked. Despite our keeper/captain Jenny Vincent (sponsored by Harlequin)’s efforts, they eventually they scored from one to again level the score at 3-3 with only a few minutes left on the clock.

Maidstone continued to attack to regain the lead, however West Herts were also determined to take the full points allocation and their persistence paid off when a neat strike was slotted in the back of the net with just 2 minutes remaining: 3-4. Despite the heroics of last week’s last minute winner, this was not to be repeated and the home side ended up dropping all 3 points.

Despite the result, Maidstone lie in 4^th place in the table. The next two games will be crucial as the Kent side take on Bedford then Holcombe, both of whom are so far unbeaten.

Player of the match went to Courtney Cummins.

Men’s 1st XI

Home v Marlowe 1s

Score:  W  4-2

Scorers: Iain Brine, Steve Marks, Jeremy Swaffer

Maidstone men’s first XI made it 2 from 2 in Southern Premier Division 2 with another victory, this time against league new comers Marlowe.

Maidstone started off where they left last week, moving the ball at pace and quickly manufactured chances in front of the Marlowe goal but were unable to convert. The young Marlowe side however were not fazed by this fast start and both teams exchanged short corners with neither able to convert. As the half progressed Maidstone continued to build the pressure and this finally told as Iain Brine arrived late at the far post to deflect into the goal.

n the second half Maidstone continued to pressure the Marlowe defence and were rewarded with a second goal from newcomer Steven Marks. At 2-0 Maidstone started to relax yet the away side were by no means finished and started to hit back with some fast passing and moments of individual skill. Maidstone began to feel the pressure and though Marlowe didn’t have many free play chances they were able to win several short corners. Marlowe were able to convert the first after 52 minutes and just 3 minutes later were able to convert a second to draw the scores level. Initially stunned the home crowd soon started to get behind their side again and Maidstone responded with renewed vigour. Just 3 minutes from time man of the match Jeremy Swaffer bagged an instinctive strikers goal, dire4ting the ball past the keeper on the turn and a couple of minutes later he claimed his second as finished from close range after good work in the D from Greg Laurenson. Maidstone go top of the table on goal difference after being only one of two teams to claim 6 points from their opening games.

Ladies’ 2nd XI

Away v Marden

Score:  W 4-2

Scorers: Lesley Price (3), Maddy Jarvis

Maidstone ladies 2s extended their winning streak to 4 out of 4 with a hard fought victory at Marden. On a very slow pitch Maidstone struggled with the ball pace but their grit and determination showed through and they spent most of the first 35 mins in their opponent’s half. The pressure finally told when Lesley Price finished off a clever move from close range after some good work from skipper Sue Leaning.  Marden threatened on the break a few times but were not able to convert their single short corner. Player of the match Donna Shalders continued to be a thorn in the Marden side and soon the away team went 2-0 up courtesy of another close range effort from Price. 5 mins from half time Maidstone extended this further to 3-0 when substitute Maddy Jarvis scored an instinctive goal with her first touch of the game.
Despite taking a 3-0 lead into the break Maidstone knew they were in a tough game and this proved to be the case throughout the second half.  Marden continued to push and were a lot more threatening. They were able to claw one goal back after a succession of short corners was finally finished off and got a second after a quick break left only the Maidstone keeper to beat. The Marden forward had the pace to do so leaving a very nervy final few minutes of the match. However Maidstone stuck to their task and moments from time Price completed her hat trick and put the game out of site with a ferocious shot from the top o

Men’s 2nd XI

Away v Canterbury 4s

Score:  L  0-2

The second league outing for the 2s saw a disappointing loss. But again it was a performance with many positives. The predominantly young and inexperienced side started well in the first 25 mins, creating several chances and a handful of short corners. A lack of practice and drilled corners cost the team those opportunities.

During the last 10 minutes of the first half, Canterbury pushed harder and subsequently the composure of the previous 25 mins dissipated. A succession of Canterbury penalty corners eventually saw them score the last one before half time.

The second half started with a much faster pace from both sides, but Canterbury were definitely more comfortable and built on the confidence of the opening goal prior to half time. Maidstone (we) were more frenetic. In this period, Canterbury scored again – from a poor decision (player) at the back, and resulted in Canterbury overrunning the defence.

Sporadically the Maidstone team ventured deeper into Canterbury territory, but did not threaten the defence. It must be noted that Michael Smith made some great saves and certainly kept the team in the game. Finally, the team can take heart from the grit and spirit shown in the last 10 mins of the game where they really took it to Canterbury.

Overall, the lack of cohesion, confidence and experience were the main reasons behind the result. All of which can be and will be addressed by playing and training together more.

Men’s 3rd XI

Away v Gore Court

Score:  L  1-6

Scorers:  Ian Lowe

A poor start to the game cost Maidstone Men’s 3^rd XI this fixture when five goals in the first half gave the away side no chance of a way back.

A lack of energy and poor man marking from Maidstone, who were again lacking senior players, allowed Gore Court too much possession which enabled the home side to bang in five goals in the first thirty-five minutes. This figure would have been more if not for some quality goal-keeping from Nick Cornford and two goal-line clearances from Oliver Priestley.

Half time allowed Maidstone to regroup and the second half was a far more even affair with Maidstone managing to retain some possession and get the ball in their opponents half. For the second week running Mark Bourne was man of the match, as his aggressive tackling in the middle of the park and positive forward passing encouraged Maidstone to progress up the pitch. One such attack produced an opportunity for veteran stalwart Ian Lowe to crack a low shot passed the home team keepers outstretched left boot.

Maidstone did concede once more in this game to make the final score 6-1 but will surely hope that a spirited second half performance can be reciprocated in future games.

Men’s 5th XI

Away v Cobdown

Score:  W  3-1

Scorers:  Thompson, Nigel Swaffer (2)

Maidstone opened their league campaign with a tough away game, after a walk over last week. Maidstone started well and had the best of the opening period. Thompson opened the scoring on the far post swooping on a cross. Swaffer rather fortuitously added the second when his flick was only half parried by the goalkeeper. Cobdown were always liable to score on the break, even though the defence generally had the better of them. However shortly before half time Cobdown were back in the game when a lapse in concentration let the home side sneak in goal, which sparked off sometempers.
Despite most of the possession and a number of chances, Maidstone could only muster one second- half goal coolly converted by Swaffer. Any pressure from Cobdown was comfortably handled by the defence seeing Maidstone through to a well-deserved victory.

Sunday 6th October

Men’s 1st Team  (Kent Cup)

Away v Old Bordenians 1s

Score:  L  1-3

Scorers:  Steve Marks

Maidstone lost in the opening round of the Kent Cup away at Old Bordenians. A poor performance at odds with their league form means there will be no repeat of last year’s run to the final.

Maidstone started off a little sluggish but were on top for much of the first half and in command of the game. The home side’s attempts to frustrate and constrict the Maidstone attack were very effective but the away side were still able to break them down and take the lead after Steve Marks slotted home for his second of the weekend after just 7 minutes. Maidstone failed to manufacture any further clear chances but were content to hold the ball and frustrate the home side. However as half time approached Old Bordenians drew level after a scrappy goal and then 3 mins before half time went into the lead from a short corner drag flick.

Maidstone started the second half brightly and created enough chances to retake the lead but they just weren’t firing and even their short corners yielded no  goals. Despite not actually threatening the Maidstone goal the home side actually extended their lead to 3-1 after a hopeful cross somehow found a way through between goalkeeper and centre back leaving an unmarked forward to tap home from the far post. Maidstone continued to attack but without success and 7 mins from time were left with just 9 on the pitch after 2 yellow cards in quick succession. Despite a sin bin for the home side too Old Bordenians were content to hold the ball for the remaining time to claim the victory.

Ladies’ 1st Team (EH Cup)

Away v Surbiton

Score:  L  0-13

On Sunday a weakened Maidstone side travelled to hosts Surbiton in the first round of the Investec National Cup. Although the sides were in the same league last season, Maidstone were unfortunately relegated as Surbiton were deservedly promoted. They are currently unbeaten this season and sit in the top spot of National Prem.

The 12 ladies representing Maidstone knew the size of the battle they were up against, however they did not let it daunt them. They went out hard and played the hockey they are used to – other teams may have sat back and defended for 70 minutes however the visitors made attempts to attack where possible.

It took just 4 minutes for Surbiton to register on the score sheet after a well-worked penalty corner. Their lead was doubled shortly after when the ball came off an attackers body into the net. Maidstone then had a period of more control and made the hosts work hard to increase their lead. A penalty corner was conceded and duly converted after 20 minutes and the fourth goal was somewhat fortunate to trickle over the line. The teams went into the break 0-5 down but still well-spirited.

The hosts continued to dominate and showed why they are in the position they are currently in by demonstrating skill, speed and accuracy in everything they did. Maidstone continued to work as hard as they could, however, and did all they could to prevent further goals. Unfortunately for the visitors the Surbiton penalty corner team were firing on all cylinders and converted 7 of their 9 corners throughout the game (having apparently only scored from 1 all season so far!). They also added four second-half open play goals.

Despite the scoreline, nothing should be taken away from the 12 Maidstone players who committed themselves to the fixture and represented their club with pride. Particular mentions should go to keeper/captain Jenny Vincent (sponsored by Harlequin) – without some spectacular saves from her the scoreline would have been far more damaging – and also to 2^nd XI players Emma Waters and Sally Howson for stepping up well to the challenge.

If you wish to see the Surbiton match report please see: http://www.surbitonhc.com/2012/10/l1-cruise-into-second-round-of-womens-cup-against-plucky-maidstone/

Good luck to Surbiton who have drawn premier side Sutton Coldfield in Round 2.

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.