Herne Bay 1-2 Maidstone

In stark contrast to the luscious weather enjoyed over the previous two months, Herne Bay was a grim scene when the Men's 1s arrived for their Saturday afternoon encounter. Nonetheless, spirits were high within a confident visiting changing room.

The sole bonus of the rain was that it provided a carpet for free flowing hockey, in theory. Herne Bay started particularly well, transferring the ball across the back quickly. Maidstone took some time, it could be suggested a full half, to adjust to their 3-back formation. The home side's intentions were to play long balls into their forwards who would lead into the pitch to then feed overlapping runners from the midfield.

As Herne Bay threw a number of players up the pitch it allowed Maidstone the opportunity to counter-attack strongly. Will Day enjoyed particular success when running at a slow Herne Bay back-three. He combined well with other forwards to create half-chances. Unfortunately, these half chances and D entries often lacked the required final panache, this often being a final pass that missed on-runners wanting to offer a finishing touch.

In return, Herne Bay, on occasions, bypassed the Maidstone press and managed to create overloads running at the 1s' defence. The home side, consequently, had some of their own half chances - this usually being shots from tight angles and the like. Phil Skillen remained resolute between the posts without being particularly troubled.

Deadlock was broken following a Rob Lamb aerial down the line which found Will Day. Will Day combined well with Tom Starling, the latter of returned the ball to Day who was able to take the ball past the keeper and push the ball into an empty net. 1-0 the Stones is how it remained moving into half-time.

Following stern commands from coach Dean Wheeler, Maidstone returned out intent on taking the game beyond the reach of the hosts.

Maidstone moved the ball with increased purpose in the second half and defended with more stoicism. Winning a couple of short corners early on in the second half it seemed they were on course to double their lead. With two castles positioned at the top of the D, Chris Howson and Cam Knight primed like bulls to commence their charge to drag flick at goal - the Stones were in position A to obtain a 2-goal lead. And then, in comical fashion a drag out was missed completely. The ball, naturally, rushed towards the left hand side of the half-way line and Herne Bay had a significant overload to run at just three MHC defenders. Moving the ball efficiently, Herne Bay capitalised on the opportunity - a hard ball into the D was deflected with aplomb into the top left of Phil Skillen's goal. Somehow, completely against the run of play, the Seasiders were back level.

Impressively, despite this shock to the system, Maidstone didn't allow the equaliser to effect their rhythm. A tiring Herne Bay press allowed more opportunity for Maidstone to distribute the ball around the back and interchange in midfield effectively. In almost identical fashion to the week prior, Maidstone benefitted from the mayhem of a goal line scramble. Following a decent save and the surprisingly smart queuing of a short corner decision, Chris Howson directed a push towards goal that kissed the foot of a Herne Bay defended inches from the line. Flick!

Herne Bay's keeper evidently had pen and paper to hand when watching Emi Martinez's penalty shoot-out dramatics during the World Cup last year. He made Howson wait for a serious period of time; adjusting his helmet, gloves and all else. This was a cute attempt, but was never to unnerve the imperious Howson. Eyes planted to the left corner throughout this stalemate, Howson then foxed the keeper as he flicked it into the bottom right. 2-1.

Having held out a one-goal lead for the final ten minutes of the game last week. Maidstone were aware of what the task at hand required. A defence that lacked a substitute and the talent of Matt Emery coped well. Their efforts were offered the deserved appreciation following the game, evidenced by each defender being offered at least one man of the match vote. Josh Hawkes came out on top on the voting front - Hawkes was again resolute at the back allowing little down the right hand side all game, particularly dealing well with a physical Herne Bay outfit. And so, the final ten minutes passed without the offering of a clear cut chance to the opposition. Maidstone victors again by a one-goal margin.

Rather surprisingly, despite their impressive start to the season - Maidstone only sit in 4th in the table. Five teams, including the Stones, have won four of their first five league fixtures. That said, only Folkestone remain undefeated with 4 wins and a draw. A break to the league season next week, Maidstone travel to local rivals and last years' league winners Marden with the intent to cause an upset in the cup. A 14.30 pushback down the road for those that may not have a fixture of their own.