Maidstone squared up on Saturday against a mid table Tunbridge Wells side. Having temporarily withdrawn from the league last season, the reformed side had pretty mixed results prior to facing MHC’s 3rd team. In past seasons Maidstone had come unstuck against these sorts of teams, often being a deciding factor in the final standings (note K-Sports 0-0 last season). When reminded of their form in the first 5 games of the season however (4W and a very dubious loss), their apprehension quickly dispelled.

The 3’s mantra this season was to start quick, come flying out of the blocks against every team they face; score quickly before the complacency sets in. So far, so good this season. Within seconds of the first whistle sounding, Waller (C) had found the bottom left corner and Maidstone had again started as intended.

A few minutes later, Waller scored again kicking it into the goal which was disallowed thanks to honesty from the skipper, not wanting karma to have any say in this game. Shortly after, Kieran threaded a ball across the D to Ash M who bundled it over the line with one of his textbook gangly-backstick-backhanded goals from a yard out (honestly I forgot the finish but that’s usually how it goes).

Maidstone went into the break 2-0 up and could have had more if not for the lackadaisical decision making in the final 3rd. Always better in the second half, heads were high and the away team rallied, unphased by not being 5 up after the first 35.

Maidstone doubled their lead as quickly as they did in the first half, a dirty no-look pass through the legs of Waller into Ash’s path allowed him to slot home for the 3rd. Following a baseline drive from James D, Waller quickly followed up with a sliding reverse sweep into the net and Maidstone were sitting comfortably at 4-0 with 20 to go.

Clearly and understandably wanting to get in on the action in front of goal, everyone in Blue pushed a lot higher up the pitch as if someone had just switched tactics to ultra attacking. Logan fired a ball into the D, and with 1 touch Waller deflected past the keeper for his 3rd of the game and Maidstones 5th. The captain now top scorer in the club with 4 hat tricks in 4 games. To top things off, Logan created a chance for himself, finished accurately and wheeled away shouting ‘I’m lightning McQueen’ much to the dismay of the TWells CM who had been making car noises all game.

Keeper Adrian and the back 4 were deservedly on the cusp of their first clean sheet of the season. TWells did fashion a few chances from open play and short corners but to no avail. Some utterly disgraceful challenges from Al C and James D both resulted in green cards, and Maidstone were weakened temporarily. To the captains relief nothing came of this, and Maidstone ended the game 6-0.

Maidstone can now enjoy a weekend of rest (half term) in preparation for their next fixture on 2nd November. An important matchup at home against Canterbury Squires who sit in 4th place, just 2 points below Maidstone. Expect goals.

MOTM - Eddie
Green Cards - Al C & James D