Maidstone 3’s+4’s (0) vs Gravesham 2’s (4)

After a strong performance last week against top of the table, the 3’s were now plagued by low availability due to half term; the regulars now choosing to spend time with family instead of playing hockey on a cold wet pitch in Gravesend…?

The 3’s captain, very appreciative of the 4’s stepping up to enable the 3’s to actually field a team, acknowledged the difficult game ahead with the makeshift squad. Gravesham 2’s, desperate to win after losing 2-1 in the reverse fixture now fielded 15, clearly no issues with availability, much to the dismay of the visiting side.

Even with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there was to be no love lost between these two teams, the frost in the air was matched on the pitch right from the start.

Gravesham controlled the midfield and did well to mark Maidstone’s own midfielders out of the game. The pairing of Ash and CC up top had chances but the opposition defence stayed strong to keep them out each time. Accurate aerials from Glen and CJ turned out to be the key to unlocking the defence…the keeper however continued to make vital saves, maintaining a clean sheet until the end.

Steve G made impressive saves at the other end that kept the final score in single figures. The 15 strong GHC side were too much for Maidstone; being quicker to the 50/50’s and capitalising well on unforced errors from the visitors.

None of the goals were particularly spectacular, the final score ending 4-0 to the hosts who are now 2 points above Maidstone. Maidstone keen to win their game in hand and revert the league position back to that prior to pushback.

The 3’s returned to Maidstone in time to watch a wild 5-4 win for the men’s 1’s in an wet but electrifying game with some of the most unreal goals ever seen in one 70 minute period.

No game next week, a much needed rest in preparation for Holcombe at home on 24th February at 2:30pm.