Mens 1s v Old Williamsonians

Following last week's postponed fixture, Maidstone headed to top of the league OW's with sub-ideal preparation - Dean Wheeler hadn't drilled his troops in a whole fortnight as Wednesday evenings have also been particularly icy.

The rain had subsided by the time the Stones; dressed in white shirts, blue shorts and white socks, entered the field of play.

The first half was a very even encounter with both sides playing luscious hockey that was enjoyable for the vocal spectators. Maidstone passed through Wills' press well from both the right and left hand side of the pitch. When forwards received the ball they ran at the home side's defence with purpose - the sheer number of fouls that they managed to draw, it is a real surprise that OW's numbers weren't depleted at stages through the half.

When the hosts did move the ball well their biggest threat was offered by their right-half who floated up the pitch eagerly. The first time said right-half, broke into the D was how OW's opened the scoring. He found the bye-line and pushed a ball across goal that was finished nicely by an OW's forward. 1-0.

At half time, Maidstone knew they were very much in the fixture. The next fifteen or so minutes would decide the result. Perhaps cliched, but the next goal was to be an important one. With this in mind, the Stones played some of the bets hockey they have pieced together all season.

Will Day had the beating of a turgid left-back and began to run at him at every opportunity. This provided half chance after half chance, but none were converted. Having frustrated the OW's defender, both with electric speed and semi-decent chat, Day knew that he was to have chances to draw naive challenges. Back to goal following interchange down the right, Day received the ball and within a second was thumped to the floor by an abhorrent tackle. Flick! Armbanded Howson had to trot to the corner of the pitch to collect the ball and place it on the P-Spot. Settling himself, Howson opted to flick right, right onto the post. A real opportunity missed despite connecting well.

The flick provided the chance for a pre-group. Wheeler commanded more of the same, and he was given his command for the next ten minutes. More good play and running with the ball in the opposition's twenty-five, Maidstone created their next best chance to equalise. From a short corner, the ball was dragged at goal and a scramble ensued. Collecting the ball strongly, Clarkson shoved it back toward goal. Two yards out, Ben Stott lifted the ball smartly on his reverse, only for it to be kicked off the line by an OW defender. Another flick!

Howson, dusting himself off following his first effort, courageously lined himself for another go. Having sent the keeper the wrong way with his flick, Howson opted to go the same way. This time the on-pitch skipper found the target, but also found the big right palm of the imposing OW's keeper. The score remained 1-0.

Despite conceding three goals in the final 15 minutes, Maidstone remained ever-present in the fixture. Old Wills were a touch fortunate in their second and third. Both goals were motioned towards goals by Stones defenders who, despite valiant efforts, got own-goals on their records. The final goal of the game was a Harry Roberts sweep from a short corner.

The final whistle signaled the Christmas break. Following four-wins on the bounce at the start of the season, Maidstone fell into a slump of 6 games without a win. Rather ironically, those six fixtures have seen the side play some of their better hockey. Games that should have been wins have been draws, and games that should have been drawn, losses. The side sit seventh, amongst the top-half pack.

Roll on January 6th, Holcombe will enter Tovil to face an eager-MHC outfit.