Maidstone Hockey Club first team travelled to top of the table Ipswich for their sixth
league game of the season. Maidstone ladies started the game well, passing the ball
around the pitch with pace and creating opportunities moving forward. Despite a
number of forays into the opposition area, however, they were unable to convert their
opportunities into goals.

The even start to the game was tipped in Ipswich’s favour as they soaked up a
Maidstone attack before breaking with speed to score on the counter-attack. The
pattern of play didn’t change, however, with Maidstone continuing to pass and move
the ball quickly to try to find a way through the Ipswich defence. Despite this positive
play, Maidstone found themselves a further goal behind after Ipswich were once
again able to break out of defence and cause an overload, making the score 2-0.
Ipswich’s tactics paid dividends again before half time, as they were able to attack
quickly and score to leave themselves with a 3-0 half time lead.

Maidstone came out for the second half determined to change the game around, and
continued to work hard and play positive hockey, trying to build play from the back
with Catherine Broadbent and Lizzie McClintock linking up particularly well.
Unfortunately, Ipswich’s lead had given them the confidence to try to further extend
their lead. After ten minutes of the second half they had their reward with a fourth
goal.

Despite the scoreline, Maidstone never gave up, with every player working hard to try
and break through the Ipswich back line. Player of the match Laura Jackson drove
relentlessly at the defence.

In return, Ipswich were able to keep up their pressure on Maidstone by overturning
possession on a number of occasions. This led to two further goals from short
corners, and one from another quick break, resulting in a final score of 7-0.

Maidstone Ladies’ first team will be playing at home next weekend, welcoming
Canterbury Ladies 2s to Armstrong road, looking to bounce back and claim 3 points.