The first "proper" match of the season with a mixed 3s and 4s team. A good mix of youth and not so young produced an encouraging performance against a strong Gore Court side.

Three players were either returning to Maidstone or new to the club - Mark Bromley, Dan Pearson and Scott Barnes. All three players were influential during the game with Scott marshalling the midfield to great effect, Mark unlucky to have a goal disallowed at the start of the second half and Dan dogged in the act of defense (including taking a hard hit to the jaw in the second half!).

Alastair Coffey in goal was the star of the match, almost single handedly keeping the score line as low as it ended.

The defence held up to intense pressure, enduring repeated short corners in the first half but not conceding and then multiple chances from open play in the second half for Gore Court. Particular mention to Dan Griffiths who is hoping to play further up the pitch but helped the team out playing at centre back, making some excellent tackles and last ditch attempts.

The younger players gave the running legs on the day and showed great promise going into the new season. Kieran Doherty, Will Garrett, Angus Warne, Ed Chantler and Blake Willmore will hopefully have a long and successful time at Maidstone Hockey Club.

Probably a fair result in the end as Gore Court had plenty more chances than Maidstone were able to generate but a promising start to the season with the first league match next weekend.