BBHC 1st XI Vs Maidstone 1st XI

Maidstone men’s 1st XI got their Kent cup campaign started with a potentially tricky away fixture at lower league Bexley and Belvedere. BBHC started strongly, full of confidence and made early inroads down the Maidstone right flank but Maidstone’s organisation impressed and they were equal to the pressure. Whilst the home team shaded the possession Maidstone were much more potent in attack and were able to open the scoring following a superb cut in from the left by Chris Howson. A powerful run ended in the opposition D when Howson laced the ball passed the keeper.

Maidstone kept up the pressure and had several further efforts on goal denied by a scrambling goal keeper as well as a second by Howson which was disallowed when the umpire adjudged there was an earlier foul in the build up. Not to be outdone BBHC maintained their right sided game plan and forced several penalty corners. Ian Cox was equal to these in the Maidstone goal but was later beaten from close range when crash ball in beat the defence and found an unmarked forward. The game moved into he half time break poised at 1-1.

The second half started as the rain came down but this did not dampen Maidstone’s play. They continued to threaten and as they worked the ball around nicely the gaps stated to open. Maidstone had chances to take the lead but weren’t able to do so, denied on 1 occasion by a top quality save. The later introduction of player coach Richard Turner increased the threat level and chances and it was Turner’s run into the D that led to Skipper James Christmas’ coolly taken finish. Despite a late flurry of BBHC pressure Maidstone maintained their composure and discipline to see out the game and progress to the quarter final stage when they will travel to local rivals Marden.