Another weekend meant another week of hockey for the Folkestone second XI. A disappointing loss in the previous week meant the team were keen to go out and get three more points.

The ops started the first half with some passages of beautiful flowing hockey with interlinking passes between furneaux, Coombs, Ball and Kanny. This all lead to a very earlier short win for the team. As always Wishart flew one past the keepers shoulder to make it 1-0.

This was a great confidence boost for the team as we restarted the game. It was a very back and forth tennis like game between the two teams with great distribution from the back by Bristow and Wishart out to Shaw, Tolhurst, Llewellyn and Cheap. After multiple attacks in both ends we managed to win another PC which was slipped to cheap to flick away to make it 2-0. Another great goal for the ops.

As play carried on Maidstone were starting to get back into it but with the great pressing from Rowe, Kanny, Hopkin and Coombs we kept in good shape. Another masterclass from the 4 at the back meant a clean sheet into half time.

As the game restarted Maidstone had changed some of there tactics and had decided to go all out pressing the defence and midfield into some turnovers. This was similar to when we played them at their place but after 10 minutes had passed we calmed down and started to play our usual hockey. With big aerials from Wishart up to Rowe and his supporting attackers we managed to win a flick. Another time for Wishart to step up. Although not his usual flick as it stayed low and soft the keeper still stood little chance. 3-0 .

Play carried on as usual with both teams having attacks with end to end action. Maidstone started to play with a full eleven in our half meaning we were left under some pressure at the back. But yet again the defensive line and the midfielders managed to wiggle their way out of danger and onto many attacks. After some time had passed one attack had led to another penalty corner which was saved but on the rebound Lleewellyn reached above his head and dunked the ball into the back of the goal. 4-0.

Maidstone were left in shock and suprise as the game was starting to near to the end and they were in a four goal deficit. Yet the ops were left full of life continuing their fluid hockey. Another surge of attacks meant Maidstone’s defence were left no chance as a bobbling ball was left hanging around the goal mouth with plenty of ops sticks poised to score. And Coombs delivered with a back post tap to finish the game with a huge 5-0 win. This leaves the 2nd XI in fifth place hungry to get themselves three more points next time out.