Ladies 2s v Herne Bay 2

Following last week’s draw against New Beccehamian, Maidstone’s spirits were high going into the game. Once again at home, they faced Herne Bay, but this time it was the turn of their 2s team.

Maidstone started strong, finding quick passes and having several attacks on goal. It was not long before Maidstone got their first short corner of the game, however, it could not be converted.

The defensive line saw a reshuffle from previous weeks; Carly Brinn, Phoebe (U18) and Ella Collie did well to stop Herne Bay’s attackers while goal keeper, Tabitha (U18), made some great saves.

Maidstone dominated the first half, Maddy Jarvis and Kathryn Goodwin worked hard to keep Herne Bay out of the middle of the pitch. Millie Jones, Hannah (U18) and Hazel (U18) made great runs down the sidelines, finding Jenny Duggan, Lou Cassey and Georgia South up front. Several short corners and chances on goal followed but none found the back of the net, leaving the half time score at 0-0.

A strong start to the second half from Herne Bay saw them score the 1-0 with a quick run down the right side. But, it didn’t take long for Maidstone to respond. Several quick passes found Georgia South in the D who pushed the ball straight past the Herne Bay keeper to make it 1-1.

What followed was a period of back and forth, neither team really breaking through each other’s defences. Maidstone had a few good attacks, Lou Cassey and Georgia South did well to create some chances on goal. At the other end, Maidstone’s defence prevented Herne Bay finding the back of the net; Tabitha (U18) made crucial saves while Maddy Jarvis picked several balls off the goal line.

The deadlock was finally broken when Hazel (U18) drove down the right, finding Kathryn Goodwin who sent an excellent cross to Hannah (U18) at the top of the D. Hannah (U18) freely took a shot on goal and scored. 2-1 to Maidstone.

Continuing the momentum, Maidstone found a foot in Herne Bay’s D. The ball went straight to the of top of the D and was slipped to Jenny Duggan who, with a loop over the top of the keeper, found the top left of the goal to make it 3-1, and give Maidstone their first win of the season.

Maidstone face Gravesend next week away.