The ladies 1s face Tunbridge Wells away on Saturday. All twelve women attended with plenty of time to avoid late fines, the ladies therefore had a decent amount of stick and ball time while also keeping an eye on the fruitful Twells side.

Following a tactical decision, the opposition faced playing into the sun. The match commenced - Twells, mainly bringing down the age average, began sharp and presented themselves from the get go as a quick side.

Within a few seconds, the ball was turned over and Katie Swaffer beelined towards the goal consequently winning Maidstone a short corner. The side teased the spectators, no goal this time.

Play continued, within the first 10 mins, Twells managed to secure themselves a short corner - unfortunately, via the back post, they could find a way into the goal. 1-0 at this point. Never the less, the ball was quickly thrown down the Maidstone attacking end, Gabriella then trotted her way towards goal, after a few dodgy challenges from the despite Twells side, another short was secured for Maidstone. A lovely push out from Kate Smoker to the top of the D, slipped left to Emma Worsfold, who threw her stick back and struck the ball. Like text book play, Lizzie Ashford stood in front of the Twells goal keeper and deflected the ball kindly into the goal. The first for Diz of the game and the season.

The sides continued to battle at 1-1, possession was mixed. Twells found themselves at the top of the D where newly found defender Alicia Grassom, as always, put self on the line and threw herself into a tackle. Maidstone believed Alicia took the ball and then the opponent took her Alicias’ stick however umpires did not agree. Maidstone froze and the ball slowly trickled into the goal, 2-1, disappointing but not the end note.

A few moments passed and Twells pushed hard. Nevertheless, no match for the Maidstone back four. A few chances for the Twells side but Rehannah Houghton-Judge stopped a ball on the goal line and Izzie Ramiro brilliantly distributed balls out of the D. The side held on. About 20 minutes into the half, Lesley Price equalised for the side by yet another deflection, 2-2.

Concluding the half, Emma stepped up to the top of the D and beautifully placed the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. The score was left 3-2 to Maidstone, the first time the ladies 1s were on the front foot all game.

After a motive team talk from coach Rak; with Vapour Rub on and the team refreshed - Maidstone stepped back onto the pitch. 35 minutes to go.

It must be said, Twells utilised their right back to produce play and she distributed well to the forward line. Pressure was on. Around 25 minutes in Twells won yet another short corner and they managed to execute this. Maidstone did not let their heads go down and came back harder, Lizzie Ashford decided to take matters into her own hands and took on the whole Twells side. Lizzie dribbled through all their mid to defensive lines and she somehow found herself in front of the goal keeper where she placed the ball into the goal, true Lizzie style and her second for the game. Maidstone once again up, standing at 4-3.

For the remaining 10 minutes or so, Maidstone stood their ground. No goals passed them and the score was left 4-3 to Maidstone. What a relief!!

Player of the match went to Lizzie for her two goals and brilliant play throughout. Well deserved.

Setting the tone for the rest of the season, the ladies 1s now rest and look forward to next week where they face Canterbury 3s at home.