Goals flow after the break
Maidstone
Maidstone men’s 1sts moved three points clear in Kent/ Sussex Regional 1 after beating Crawley 7- 0.
They struggled to find their rhythm early on last Saturday but a well-taken goal from Jimmy Christmas settled the nerves after Phil Morrison missed a penalty flick.
Strong words from head coach Richard Turner and captain Nick Leatherbarrow kickstarted a one-sided second half which saw Maidstone score six times.
Free-flowing, disciplined hockey led to a hat-trick of poacher’s goals for man-of-the-match Joe Martin and one each for John Stiff, Jonathan German and Mike Smith.
The ladies’ 1sts conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against bottom side Norwich City. They made a confident start but grew increasingly frustrated as the first half ended goalless.
Countless chances went begging as Maidstone won a flurry of penalty corners at the start of the second half.
But they finally took the lead when defender Rachael Ferguson worked the ball back into the D for Annabelle Rowe, whose shot went in off a City defender.
Norwich fought hard to turn over the ball and grab any chances on the break as Maidstone pushed for a second, levelling in the last 10 minutes.
Alex Penry was playerof-the-match for the hosts, who are seventh in the East League Premier Division.
Stand-in keeper Nicky Bourne was unlucky to be on the losing side as the ladies’ 4ths went down 2- 0 at Blackheath & Old Elthamians.
Bourne, who was named player-of-the-match, made some key saves before conceding twice in the last 10 minutes.
Michelle Smith was commanding in defence, while youngster Millie Jones is growing in confidence.