Maidstone make home advantage count
Maidstone’s fast start proved decisive as they won the Kent Merit Under-13 Girls Cup final 6-0 at the Gallagher Stadium against Anchorians on Sunday. The Stones certainly made home advantage count as they dominated the early stages, racing into a four-goal lead inside 23 minutes.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” said Maidstone manager David Atkinson. “We talked before the game about exploiting the wide areas, and trying to get the ball into their box early on.”
While four-goal Ivie Pritchard took the playerof-the-match award, winger Kelsi Wilkinson caught the eye with her clever footwork and wing play, not to mention her excellent quality of crossing.
Maidstone led on 10 minutes when a shot by Dempsey Hayes was deflected in, possibly by Pritchard or for an own goal.
The lead was doubled two minutes later, Wilkinson’s right-wing cross was recycled down the left and Pritchard produced an unstoppable right-foot finish after creating space in the box. Maidstone keeper
Grace Garner saved bravely at the feet of two Anchorians players after Isla John’s long throw. The third goal was arguably the best of the game. There appeared little danger when Ella Servais collected the ball but she strode forward and found the bottom corner from long range. Wilkinson and Pritchard combined for the fourth goal. A fifth arrived on the half-hour when Wilkinson’s dangerous corner was converted by Grace Gilby.
Maidstone added a sixth within a minute of the second half when Ruby Sykes’ cross was too hot to handle and Pritchard scored from close range. Maidstone: