Mens 1s v Ashford

Ashford came out victors on both occasions when they met the Men's 1s last year. However, entering the fixture Maidstone were likely the favourites. Ashford had managed just three points in their opening six fixtures, in comparison to Maidstone's twelve.

In the opening five minutes Ashford had a large percentage of the ball. They transferred back and forth, right and left with purpose - this said. whenever they tried to move forward they were met by the organised MHC press. Maidstone managed to get a foothold in the game and they too responded with an improved transfer. Such was Ashford's press, the Stones were able to push long balls down the line on both the right and left hand sides of the pitch. This allowed forwards to run at an, at times, turgid Ashford back line.

The stalemate was ended with the first short corner of the game which had been won thanks to prestige running on the baseline by Chris Howson. Howson, who had blanked with drag-flick efforts the week prior, fired a bullet into the top right corner - the keeper was left without a hope and MHC had a one goal lead.

The goal of the day allowed Maidstone to double their lead. Having worked the ball down the left hand side, Cam Knight took a free hit on the 25 without haste - he found Charlie Collie who drove strongly down the right-side of the D. Collie, in just his second Men's 1s league fixture, showed excellent composure as he passed towards the P-spot, providing an opportunity that Rob Clarkson had no other option but to finish.

The score remained 2-0 heading into half time. The review at the half was that Maidstone were playing some of their best stuff, more of the same was the request.

Ashford decided to press with a touch more vigour in the second half. In the first ten minutes this didn't have much effect to MHC's ball movement. The chanceto properly kill the game off came with 20 minutes remaining. Charlie Collie running well with the ball in the D was chopped viciously as he charged at goal. A flick was awarded. Away at Herne Bay, Howson showed real composure - with this in mind the Stones gathered confidently for a short re-group as he addressed the ball. Unfortunately, Ashford's keeper guessed well and saved superbly in his top left corner. The score remained 2-0.

To say this moment was a trigger in the momentum of the game would be a significant understatement. Within 5 minutes of the missed flick, Ashford were level. As a side Maidstone showed real naivety, such naivety had perhaps been at hand the week prior where they threw away a 3-2 lead with ten minutes to go.

Despite metaphorical heads dropping, following the Ashford's equaliser Maidstone did manage to re-attain their control in the match. A smart counter attack led by Will Day saw him operate down the baseline in classical fashion. A perfect ball across the D put the ball on a plate for Tom Starling who scored his first goal of the season following his return to the club. The Stones found themselves 3-2 up with single figure minutes remaining, a position (as mentioned) they had been in a week earlier.

Unfortunately, the regained lead was not maintained. A free hit within the 25 was poorly defended by Maidstone as a free-runner was able to break into the top of the D and win a short as a consequence. The subsequent short corner was dragged nicely.

3-3 is how the affair finished. Maidstone were left to rue their failure to capitalise on control. Further, they were reminded that even losing just five minute periods of games can stipulate the result. Folkestone are to be hosted next week, of course the intention will be to return to winning ways.