Folkestone 5ths vs Maidstone

• 20/10/2011
• W 4-2
• Maidstone

This was a much more satisfying result for the men’s fifths this week with their
attacking flair, movement and passing being rewarded with all three points.
Yet the game fell into contrasting periods, some of the time the fifths played
sublime hockey and for an equal period it was dire. The defence was however
able to cope with most of the chances that Maidstone created, limiting them
to just a few goal scoring opportunities, two of which were converted. On the
other hand, the home side created a lot of goal mouth activity and indeed
provided their keeper plenty of opportunities to show that he was a very
capable shot stopper. This week the goals did come for Folkestone: Rolande
Izzard’s presence of mind in front of goal yielded a brace, whilst Martin
Wilkins chipped in with one and Seb’ Constable, coaxed, encouraged and
eventually persuaded the ball to cross the line for the fourth.
Martin Wilkins’ tackling incurred the ire of the umpire and a card was issued,
however on balance he had an influential game, with his mazy running
and some silky skills, giving the Maidstone defence plenty to think about.
Chris Green was a welcome addition to the side lending stability to midfield.
Chris ‘Boots’ Stevens had a typically vociferous game directing affairs from
the goal and delivering a perceptive half time analysis that the team promptly
ignored! In addition to leading from the rear, Boots snuffed out Maidstone’s
hopes of a comeback when he saved a penalty flick low to his left.
This was a balanced team performance with plenty of good things to carry
forward both at team and individual level – if the side can consistently produce
their best hockey there will be few teams that can live with them at this level.