Mens 3s v Newenden Nomads 1’s

The Men’s 3’s approached this game against newly promoted Newenden Nomad’s not particularly confident due to the oppositions two previous results; A 9-0 and 4-0 win against sides Maidstone did not fare as well against. Additional pressure followed in light of the knowledge the other 3 men’s teams playing before them were all undefeated.

Regardless, with high availability, Maidstone fielded the strongest 15-man team they could, and in the 25+ degree heat came flying out of the blocks against an unexpectedly weak bare 11.

10 minutes into the first half a poor defensive clearance popped up perfectly at the top of the D for Waller to half volley, an impeccable connection Joe Root would have been proud of pinged off the crossbar and landed at the feet of Ash Messenger who cooly slotted it past a keeper still thinking it had gone for six. 1-0 to Maidstone.

The second home goal was just around the corner; a pass from Waller across the D from the left, Logan running in from the right, a goal line scramble, chaos, a fumble, tap in. 2-0 Maidstone and the fantasy points were flying in for the MHC front 3.

5 minutes later, a pass down the line from Lowe and a speedy baseline run from winger Kieran almost resulted in Maidstone going into the break with a hattrick. Nomad’s left midfielder overstretched during the next phase and subsequently ruled himself out of the rest of the game.

Maidstone were confident and had momentum...2-0 up against 10 men with 45 minutes to play. With 4 at the back and CDM Angus controlling the midfield well, anything other than a home win looked unlikely going into the second half.

Keeper Al had very little to do in the first 10 minutes thanks to the sturdy, experienced back 4 (impressively with a combined age of over 150)...Then came the short corners...Nomad’s very own Harmanpreet Singh steps up and roofs a drag flick, 2-1. 5 minutes later, same foot in the D, same routine, same result. 2-2 with just under half an hour to go.

Maidstone had to to exploit the space created by the missing man and had every opportunity to stay well away from the opposing sticks. The away team faced a barrage but failed to break down the defence as quickly as they did in the first half and frustratingly the umpire’s whistle brought the game to a close. Although all men’s teams remained undefeated, it felt like one to the 3’s especially when they started the game so very well. Things to work on in training Thursday, but also lots of positives to take away.

Back to the clubhouse for the majority of the team, impossible to remain dejected when cold beer, hot potato and the boot challenge awaits...

The men’s 3’s face Folkestone away next week. A 2-0 win and a 0-4 loss in the 22/23 season makes this an unpredictable clash that Maidstone will look to capitalise on with another strong side available.