Missed chances costly

Maidstone

Maidstone ladies’ 1sts started their East Region Premier League campaign with a 5- 0 defeat at West Herts.

The visitors started on the front foot against relegated Herts on Saturday, while Grace Mansfield, Alex Penry, Louise Cassey and Rachael Ferguson were well organised in defence.

There were chances for Maidstone but disjointed passing instead led to a West Herts goal and the hosts scored again before the break.

New captain Hannah Durston and coach Jeremy Swaffer fired up their side at half-time, resulting in good play through the middle by Catherine Broadbent, Kate Naylor and Emma Worsfold.

But Maidstone couldn’t take their chances and were punished by the clinical hosts, despite the best of efforts of player-of-the-match Becky Ward in goal.

The ladies’ 2nds lost 3-1 at Cliftonville in the Kent Women’s, Premier Division.

Maidstone had most of the ball and plenty of chances in a goalless first half. But they fell behind in open play after the break, quickly followed by a second following an interception which left Ville one-on-one.

The home keeper made a fine save from Claire Daniels before Maidstone conceded a third.

Victoria O’Reilly pulled one back, finishing a rebound.

Player-of-the-match Katherine Worsfold made good tackles and interceptions.

Picture: Andy Jones FM4934451 Maidstone ladies’ 3rds’ Carly Brinn on the ball during Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Tunbridge Wells 4ths

Maidstone ladies’ 3rds’ Rachel Jarvis and, below, Rebecca Jarvis, under pressure from Tunbridge Wells 4ths