Men's 3’s v Sevenoaks 6’s

48 hours ago, table toppers Sevenoaks ventured East to Maidstone to play an in-form side (4 wins in 4) suggesting this would be a very competitive affair.

A win for Maidstone would fire them up the table to the dizzying heights of 2nd place just one point behind Sevenoaks. 10 minutes in and this looked highly likely, some excellent link-up play between midfield and the wingers led to the first chance; Charlie slid a ball through to the MHC Captain who reversed it over the keeper and into the net.

Sevenoaks surrounded the umpire with calls of LBW to no avail. Enraged, the visitors pushed back for the second time, this time a goal down. As each minute passed, the intensity from both teams increased and the umpires knew they were going to be in for a fiery, difficult to manage game (especially with so many other umpires apparently playing outfield).

MHC top scorer Ash Messenger added to his tally of goal contributions with a pass to winger Mark Bromley whose shot cannoned off a defenders leg and into the goal. 2-0 up. Maidstone’s solid defence were subjected to incessant pressure just before half time and a well struck straight strike from the Sevenoaks captain concluded the first half with the score at 2-1.

Both teams and captains were reminded at half time to keep the chat to a minimum or else the cards were on their way.

Sevenoaks didn’t heed the warning and the first card (green) of the game was shown and for once it wasn’t to Logan Black. Maidstone quickly capitalised on the now weakened opposition, Ian Lowe picked up his first goal of the campaign and Maidstone’s 3rd of the match thanks to a baseline drive and flick across the face of goal by Mark Bromley.

Two short corners later and Sevenoaks had equalised, Maidstone were stunned and although momentum was not in their favour, form was and the 3’s were playing some of their best hockey all season.

Another short corner, another goal. 4-3. BUT WAIT…did the ball leave the D? No. No it did not. Goal disallowed and the game continued. The oaks captain, now incandescent with rage and probably still seething from the first goal of the game was sent to the bench by the umpires for the words that came out of his mouth; ones I cannot repeat incase there are children reading.

The Maidstone captain was very close to following his counterpart, but reminders of the jug on offer for a cardless game quickly diffused the situation. Minutes later, Sevenoaks were awarded another short and so too came another goal. Sevenoaks erupted again, this time joy, rather than anger and the game came to a close.

The dust settled, the fire in the players was extinguished, and the aggression was left on the pitch. The disappointment was evident but Maidstone had put up an almighty fight against a very strong side who were clearly top for a reason.

Maidstone play local rivals K Sports next week at 10am (A) where they fully intend to resume the good form and cement their place in the top 5.

MOTM - Charlie J
Debut - Matt P