Maidstone Ladies 1s 0 - East London Ladies 1s 2

After losing 1-6 to East London Ladies 1XI in the first half of the season, MHC Ladies 1s were determined to show their true form today.

Both teams came out strong which saw some great attack and defensive play from both sides. Tireless work by Maidstone’s forwards and midfields kept the pressure on East London’s defence.

At the same time East London continued to battle hard and push forward. However, Maidstone’s sheer determination and excellent defensive work by Louise Cassey, Grace Mansfield, Rachael Ferguson, Captain Hannah Durston and Elle Scott denied the East London side from scoring. The first half also saw some incredible saves from joint player of the match Becky Ward, including a fine top corner save.

Both sides’ hard work saw the half time score being 0-0.

After half time, Maidstone started well again and continued to push forward which saw several attacks by the team’s forwards Katie Gibbons, Claire Weddle, Lesley Price and Emily Bush.

A superb pass at one point from defender, Rachael Ferguson, found a waiting Bush on the far post, however she was denied by East London’s keeper.

Despite Maidstone’s superb performance, with 20 minutes to go East London were awarded a short corner, which they managed to convert into a goal. Shortly afterwards the away side were able to double their score following a wayward ball, which they pounced on and were able to break through and strike the ball at the top of ‘D’, which then flew past Maidstone’s keeper, Ward.

Whilst the home side were down, they dug deep and continued to work the ball forward. However, their hard work was denied by East London’s keeper and strong defence.

With a few minutes remaining the home side were awarded a short corner following a run by midfielder, Laura Jackson in the ‘D’, which following a pass to a waiting Weddle, caught the foot of one of East London’s defenders. Midfielder, Catherine Broadbent took a shot at the top of the ‘D’ which found a waiting Gibbons on the near post, which she deflected first time towards the goal. Unfortunately, the ball was saved by East London’s keeper, which saw the game end 0-2.

Despite the result, Maidstone were really pleased with their performance and hope to carry it forward to next week when their play Crostyx Ladies 1s away at Lee Valley Stadium.