Last Saturday the ladies 1s faced local rival Marden 1s at home. Initially, from observation, the Marden squad looked very different to previous years with youth coming through the club into the senior team. Nevertheless, Maidstone did not fear.

Marden came out strong; from the get go they won consecutively three short corners. Yet, these could not be put away. With a wobbly five minutes from Maidstone, they settled into the game. Maidstone began to weave the ball in and out of the Marden high press and it was evident tackling was not Mardens’ forte.

Maidstone began to dominate play. Much to everyone’s surprise Gabriella stepped into centre back to join Rehannah. Gabs quickly adapted brilliantly to the position, her distribution was fantastic and she often stepped in-front of the Mardens’ nippy centre forward to turn the ball over. Player of the Match rightly went to Gabs when the game concluded.

The girls were on a role! To get the score sheet going, Captain Steph effortlessly dribbled from the half way line, penetrated the D and hit the ball into the goal to make the first for Maidstone.

Emma swiftly followed with her clinical short corner hit, the ball went straight to the Marden keepers pads however due to the shear force behind Miss Worsfolds' hit, the keepers pads could not withstand the pressure.

Much to Maidstones’ surprise, Marden changed their press and took pressure off the girls who decided at the back to pass between themselves to see the first half out. Much to Mardens’ despair, Maidstone held the 2-0 lead going into the second half.

Little changed during the second half, Maidstone remained well drilled and they pressed well manipulating Marden in to make mistakes. Throughout the game, the Maidstone defence faced what felt like 100 defensive short corners. Nevertheless they did not let a single ball across the line. Katie Swaffer, Emma Worsfold, Rehannah Houghton-Judge, Alicia Grassom, Keren Lodger and/or Gabriella were well drilled and solid during these high pressure intervals.

Marden evidently began to panic and thought little regarding making clean tackles and appreciating possession. All in all Marden received 3 cards. Maidstone remained clinical and were awarded 0 cards!

Final score 2-0 to Maidstone.
Simply brilliant.

Maidstone are sure when they face Marden for the second time later in the season, they will come back with vengeance and the ladies 1s will sure be prepared for this.

The girls will now endeavour to take the gained momentum into next weekends away game vs Sevenoaks 3s.