Opening day turnaround
Maidstone
Maidstone got their Kent/Sussex Regional 1 campaign off to a flyer under new head coach Richard Turner with an opening day 2- 0 win over Gore Court last Saturday.
The victory was all the sweeter for Maidstone, who suffered a 4-1 loss to Court two weeks previously in a friendly.
The opening exchanges were cagey but once Maidstone settled they were undoubtedly the better side. They moved the ball at speed and looked dangerous in the attacking third.
Maidstone’s best first-half chance came from a penalty stroke awarded for a goalward effort hitting a defender’s body on the line. But Matt Emery’s resulting flick was confidently saved.
The home side were unable to convert further short corners and Court were reduced to long ball counter-attacks as Maidstone player-of-the-match, keeper Darren Marchant, impressed.
Gore Court were increasingly under pressure in the second half and were reduced to 10 men for long periods as they paid the price for rash challenges.
On 50 minutes debutant Jon Stiff put Maidstone ahead from a short corner drag flick.
With five minutes left, Andy Turner scored Maidstone’s second to complete a well-deserved victory.
The ladies went down 3- 0 at Bedford in East Women’s League Premier Division.
Maidstone started well but were unable to convert chances into goals.
Following a number of great second-half saves from Maidstone keeper Jenny Vincent, Bedford finally managed to score.
They added a second from a short corner and a deflected effort from a further short corner rounded off the scoring for the home side.
The ladies’ 4ths started positively with a new formation and several debutants in their 2- 0 win over Sevenoaks.
Maidstone’s strong start was rewarded with two penalty corners in quick succession. Captain Kay Bowley made a clever pass to Nicky Bourne, who safely slotted home to put Maidstone ahead in the first 10 minutes.
In the second half a well-struck cross from Katie Walsh was calmy deflected in by youngster Rebecca Jarvis for her first senior goal.
Georgia Wishart collected playerof-the-match for her assured display in defence.