Maidstone 1s vs Burnt Ash 1s

The ladies 1s faced Burnt Ash at home this weekend. Playing the opposition away earlier in the season, losing a disappointing 5-1, the girls felt they had a point to prove. An unreal playlist ignited a spark to get the girls pumped and the fire brewing, all spirits were high and everyone was clearly up for a good game.

In the first half, both teams were fairly even with both taking 5 minutes each to dominate the game alas no outcome for either side. Both sides spent most their time in the opposing D attempting to put away a short corner but no team could secure this chance and just continuously teased the spectators on the side.

At times Maidstone found it hard to distribute the ball from the back; often getting stuck on the right or left sides. Nevertheless, the girls looked at this challenge and decided to change format with the back four changing into a back three on multiple occasions, resulting in more options forward which threw off the mediocre looking Burnt Ash side.

There was great play throughout the game, Frankie Barton and Emma Worsfold both dominated the middle of the pitch, finding eachother like magnets they manovering the ball up to Sophie Killick, Katie Swaffer, Gracey-Mei Wilsher and Gabs in the forward positions who all continuously made some productive runs.

Lots of brilliant play in the first half but sadly not enough words for me to explain them all. The score was left 0-0 at half time. There were lots of smiles flying around and the girls were ready and raring to get on - focus being not to drop their performance going into the second half.

The girls continued to rotate and pass the ball between each other. One minor inconvenience being the umpires deciding to pull a card out on Kathryn which surprisingly did not get her one DOD vote. Maidstone continued to secure short corners, Emma attempted a few flicks to get the logging goalie moving, unfortunately the mobile goalie pushed the balls away - one resulting in concussion for a defending player. Vise versa, Burnt Ash obtained some short corner and Freya made some aesthetically pleasing saves while Gracey continued to motivate the girls with her iconic shouts of encouragement.

The girls cranked up the heat and decided it was the time to put away a goal 50 minutes into the game. Frankie tapped the ball towards the goal, whinding back her stick she slapping the ball firmly towards goal, Katie then kindly made sure the ball went in and strategically tapped the ball behind the goal keeper. Celebrations were all around and everyone took a breath of fresh air.

The girls continued to press well, with Burnt Ash now under pressure the ball was often hit off the side line. The opposing side began to scramble, attempting to hit and hope - of course this was no match for Becca Jarvis, Sarah Nudd and Grace Mansfield placed at the back.

A second goal was scored by our very own captain Miss Emma Frances Worsfold. Who picked up the ball which was just placed onto a defending foot, the umpire played the best advantage in his career and Emma had all the space in the world to hit the ball into the bottom left corner. Celebrates were even more explosive then the goal prior and it was clear the girls had not had this feeling in a while.

With a brilliant turn out for the girls, the score was left 2-0 to Maidstone and it was the first time this season that no goals were conceded against the girls.

Player of the match was VERY tricky, everyone had an amazing game and all efforts were utilised. The points resulted in Katie 3rd and Rehannah 2nd with a well deserved POM to Miss Worsfold who has been the absolute rock for the team all season (I’m not biased or anything I swear). All in all, the opposition were truly burnt with just a few pieces of ash left.

This coming Saturday Maidstone face Woking with the luxury of it being the second game on the trot at home. The Ladies 1s will endeavour to throw all efforts into the game once again.