Maidstone Ladies 1s VS Eastbourne 1s

The Ladies 1s took to Eastbourne last Saturday; with two last minute drop outs, the girls took a bare 11 side. However, facing the team just above them in the league, the girls felt optimistic about the game and endeavoured to draw a line under the season thus far.

Maidstone wanted a few outcomes of this game - those outcomes being to have fun and to win of course. The Ladies 1s started the game slow, yet the opposition matched this pace while both teams found their feet on the pitch.

Swaffer for 70 minutes came out of coaching retirement and supported the Ladies 1s well on the side. With direction from the reborn coach, the girls rotated the midfield and defensive lines continuously, this made the opposition unsteady and Maidstone largely dominated the game. Unfortunately, due to commitment forward, Eastbournes’ one of two nippy players dribbled the ball, for what seemed like hundreds of metres down the left side of the pitch. With little challenge, the Eastbourne player managed to secure a goal. Nevertheless, Maidstone did not change their format nor their attitude. Heads stayed up and the girls communication was at its prime. The score was left 1-0 to Eastbourne at half time.

Following some enthusiasm and positive affirmation during the break, Maidstone did not drop their standards. Everyone was pulling their weight and the girls continued to play in unison. Alicia Grassom worked tirelessly in mid field; along with Kathryn Goodwin who accepted a called up while consuming half a bottle of wine at 11pm the evening prior. Kath and Alicias’ commitment and efforts during the game did not go unnoticed.

Due to pushing numbers forward, for valid reasoning being the recognition that no progress could be made without Maidstone hitting the backboard. Maidstone were exposed at the back on a few occasions. Needless to say, Grace Mansfield worked her magic and made multiple critical tackles being the last line of defence. On the occasional break throughs, Tabitha Wimble leaped off her line and made some crucial saves kicking the ball away effortlessly. Katie Swaffer and Gabs D-S, with no spare legs, worked non stop making runs left right and centre. It was evident the Maidstone side came with some fire in their belly!

Throughout the game, the umpiring was questionable however this has not been a rarity this season. With the umpire forgetting to use his whistle, possibly having his eyes closed or even forgetting the 'backing in' rule. Eastbournes’ left forward moved into the Maidstone defensive D practically running backwards and the ball was pushed into the back of the Maidstone goal. This was a frustration for the girls, nonetheless, the girls encouraged each other on. For the rest of the game, the Ladies 1s continued to dominate the middle of the pitch, they could just not put a few cherries on the cake and secure some goals. Therefore, the final score was left at 2-0 to Eastbourne.

Going forward the Ladies 1s are considering “working smart not hard.” Concentrating on conservation of energy across the pitch, handing over players to one another and simply placing the ball on a foot if entering the D or in a sticky situation.

The girls look forward to hopefully continuing to smile on the pitch while playing along side some life long friends. This Saturday, they play Aldershot & Farnham at home, PB 11:30. Please feel free to bring along your partners, parents, dogs, neighbours or whoever you’d like to cheer on the girls - any support, as always, is highly appreciated.