Men's 3rd XI vs Maidstone 6 Development

After last week’s eventful defeat, we turned our focus to this week’s clash: home, against Maidstone. Last year, we were thoroughly beaten by our opponents in some truly horrific weather conditions at their turf but narrowly emerged victorious at the return fixture. Keen to get back to our winning ways, we worked hard at training midweek.

As this week’s strong squad assembled, braving the 50 mph gusts at our hilltop home ground, we wasted no time in getting match ready. After some warming up and another inspiring talk from our skipper, Aron, we put our sticks in and prepared to face our equally strong opponents. 

In the opening moments of play, the ball was constantly up and down the wings of the windblown pitch. Despite the intensity, our plays seldom made it into the D, and all initial attempts by the Maidstone players were diligently cut out by our defensive section, improved by the return of keeper Martin, freeing up the tenacious Jude, and the appearance of mighty Dave Walkom. Ed remained steadfast as ever. In the middle of the half, Maidstone managed to wriggle through our watertight back and found themselves in the D. Capitalising on the golden chance, their player managed to escape a last-ditch attempt by Dave to protect the goal, and got their shot off, narrowly missing Martin’s outstretched pad, to roll onto the backboard. 1-0. 

Despite moments of brilliance from all players, including Aron’s incredible solo run down the middle of the pitch, it remained 1-0 at the break.

Assembling in the goal, Aron delivered another motivational team talk, calling for more intensity. Lining up again on the pitch, this time with wind on our side, we were desperate for goals. With the captain’s words in mind, many balls were being played up the pitch by The Ville’s players, however Maidstone’s defence took it in their stride. Maidstone were relentless in their plays, countering in an instant, however the back remained watertight. As the clock wound down, Cliftonville won a series of short corners; unfortunately, these proved fruitless. The end of the match saw a brief but brilliant cameo by recent re-joiner Darren up top, however Cliftonville’s efforts were not enough. As the final whistle soon came, we shook hands with the narrow victors and reflected on the exceptionally narrow match. With lessons learnt, and plenty to do in training, The Villains look forward to our next match, away to new league entrants Sutton Valence. Up The Ville!