Maidstone 5 - 1 Cliftonville

Newly promoted Cliftonville were the visitors for Maidstone's first home league fixture of the season. The home side arrived determined to make amends after a poor start to affairs the week prior. Talk prior to the game focused on performance of basics, speed of ball movement and being clinical when entering the opposition's D (shoot, pass or upgrade).

In the early stages Cliftonville operated a high press, which at times Maidstone found difficult to break. This said, when the press was beaten, runners high up the pitch were able to express themselves when running at a slow backline, often creating Maidstone overloads charging towards goal. Following a few wasteful chances by a collection of players, a mazy Will Day run down the left hand side saw him reverse a ball into the path of Zach Quinn. An astute touch and cute finish between the keeper's legs allowed Quinn to double his league tally. 1-0.

At 1-0 down Cliftonville were at their most threatening, albeit aided by a period where Maidstone were both poor on and off the ball. Phil Skillen was called into action a couple of times saving well low both to his right and left.

In need of a stronger lead, Maidstone began re-assert their control. After a few short corners had gone agley, Cameron Knight stepped up and powered a firm drag-flick low into the backboard. With that goal the lead was deservedly doubled. The score; 2-0 at the blow of the half time whistle.

In the second half Cliftonville were evidently tiring and their press dropped further and further back. Maidstone were able to capitalise on this early on. Despite the break down of a penalty corner, Chris Howson re-captured the ball negotiated the baseline beautifully to feed a Will Day shot - a good stop from the opposition's keeper wasn't enough to prevent Will Ostler from roofing the ball into the net and opening his account for the season.

Maidstone's fourth was a well worked team goal. The ball was moved around the back for some time before Josh Hawkes seized to move forwards and find Zach Quinn. More fine baseline work from Zach resulted in Cam Brown having the opportunity to slam the ball home.

A fifth and final Maidstone goal had Zach Quinn involved again. It was he who found Tom Elstone's wonderfully timed lead at the top of the D, Elstone's sweeping shot was destined for goal without aid. However, wanting to ensure he maintained his 100% record for the year, Will Day decided to deflect (edge) the ball while it was on its way toward goal. 5-0 and Maidstone hunted for more.

Cliftonville did manage a consolation late on. One of the visitor's players opted to hide up in the D while waves of Maidstone attacks occurred in the latter stages, he was found following a long-ball forward on the break. Holding the ball up well, he found a partnering forward who finished into an empty net.

5-1 and Maidstone will have felt they perhaps should have scored more. Nonetheless, following the outing last week there was the feeling of relief to put points on the board. South Saxons await the MHC Men's 1s next week.