Mens 3s v Gravesham & Wellcome

Maidstone 3’s begun the game against Gravesham and Wellcome 2’s just one point from rock bottom but were quietly confident having beaten the visiting team twice previously although only by a one goal margin on both occasions (2-1 and 3-2).

Maidstone started very well, thanks to the unremitting downpour throughout the day, the now water based pitch sped up the gameplay quite considerably. With 3 at the back and CDM duo Angus and debutant Charlie controlling the midfield efficiently, the home team were able to string a series of passes together and advance into the opposing half quickly and incessantly.

Ash, Logan and Ian all had opportunities in the D early on and Gravesham did well to keep out the onslaught in the first 20 minutes. 4 more quick passes between the MHC midfielders cut apart the visiting teams defence once more leaving the Captain to cooly flick it past the outstretched left hand of the onrushing keeper. Waller first on the scoresheet and Maidstone 1-0 up.

The attacks continued and Maidstone still struggled to capitalise on chances created by some excellent open play until a shot rebounded to Logan who on the second attempt dragged it over the keeper and into the roof of the net. Maidstone went into the break happy to be 2-0 up after the best first half they had played this season, the only disappointment coming from not being 5-0 up at this point.

The match resumed and the heavens reopened. Maidstone didn’t start the second half as well as the first and Gravesham appeared to return from a Warnock-Esque team talk ready to fight back. Before Maidstone had time to really settle into the second half, Gravesham broke into the D and a deflected shot, looped over the MHC keeper to half the deficit. 2-1 Maidstone.

With both teams now sporting the Aston Villa wet-look, the game slowed and tiredness for both teams was evident; lazy and misplaced challenges all over the field resulted in the Umpires cautioning the entire 22-man cohort. Seconds later, Waller was sent to the bench for a tackle even Roy Keane wouldn’t have been proud of.

10 minutes to go and Maidstone’s shape started to come apart and capitulation looked likely. Gravesham kept threatening, but with Charlie stepping back from CDM to reinforce the back 3, Maidstone’s defence held firm and Maidstone ended the game with a 2-1 win.

With no game next week, Maidstone can enjoy a weekend of rest and/or parties to celebrate the first win of the season. They play bottom of the league Holcombe Hawkes away next, where they will look to build on the positives of this game and secure their second win of the season.