The ladies 1s faced Folkestone 2s on home ground last Saturday.

Maidstones’ play started strong and they dominated from the whistle. Folkestone had glimpses of chances however could not convert these nor could they find themselves in a goal scoring position.

Around 10 minutes in, Diz like magic played the ball down the line to Lesley; who then proceeded to enter the attacking D, Lesley then kindly slipped the ball back to Diz who placed the ball lovingly into the goal. 1-0!

Play continued, multiple of chances were concocted for Maidstone going forward - Steph, Emma, Kate and Diz often found Gibbo, Lesley and Gabs who were further up the pitch. Demonstrating development has been made between productively connecting the lines and playing more fluid in attack.

Of course, Gibbo did not fail to bulldoze into the D through what it seemed like most of the Folkestone side, she then proceeded to slip the ball past the final Folkestone defender. Meanwhile Lesley posted up and protected the ball, carefully taking it back on herself to face the goal. Lesley then proceeded to push the ball through the Folkestone goalkeepers legs making the score 2-0. This score saw the girls into the second half.

For the final 35 minutes, Maidstone felt they did not want to get ahead of themselves and let the standards drop as the week prior and it was not an option to do so. For the remainder of the game confidence grew and the back four consisting of Phoebe, Rehannah, Izzie and Megan transferred the ball continuously thus giving room for movement past the half way line.

Gio, with pace, ran the ball down the left side and proceeded to hit the ball across the D. Lezza managed to get the slightest deflection which darted the ball into goal. The score concluded on 3-0 to Maidstone. Clean sheet, happy days.

A big thank you must go to Phoebe, who gained player of the match during her ladies 1s debut. Megan also stepped up for the second time this season to support the girls. It is brilliant to see the youth of Maidstone keen to get involved and progress through the ranks.

This Saturday the girls travel to Polo Farm to face a suspected competitive side of Canterbury 2s.