Early goals set up victory
Maidstone
Maidstone men’s 1sts remain unbeaten in Kent/Sussex Regional 1 after a 2-1 win at Brighton on Saturday.
The visitors’ counter-attack hockey was too good for Brighton in the first half.
Richard Turner struck from a short corner and brother Andy Turner made it two after good work on the right from Matt Emery.
Maidstone tired in the second half but had chances to extend their lead before Brighton finished a flowing move with two minutes left.
Goalkeeper Darren Marchant played well for a Stones side who survived three corners in a row at the death.
The ladies’ 1sts lost 5-2 at City of Peterborough in the East League Premier Division – but it should have been different.
Maidstone rushed into an early lead, scoring from their first attack as man-of-the-match Laura Jackson drove up the wing and set up Emily Bush for a cool finish.
Peterborough hit back to lead 2-1 but Maidstone levelled when Bush swept home.
Maidstone seemed to stop playing as Peterborough went 3-2 up in the second half, followed by two quick goals.
Lizzie McClintock was denied a penalty flick for a Maidstone team who returned home wondering what might have been.
The ladies’ 2nds lost 6- 0 to Sevenoaks in Kent Premier Division, new girl Emily Stokes named player-of-the-match.
The new-look ladies’ 3rds were beaten 3-1 by Burnt Ash in Kent Division 3.
Maidstone, including some promising juniors, started well and led with a superb finish from Julie Davies at a short corner.
They continued to dominate but luck deserted them as dubious goals gave Ash victory. Jaime Cronk and Helena Scott shared the man-of-the-match award.