Lost 1 – 8
Scorers: Dom Curtiss
MoM: Henry Goodwin
Half of the Millers were the victims of a sophisticated computer hack this weekend. The Google servers had clearly been compromised as the green lines on the road network, depicting free-flowing traffic, actually turned out to be reams of Saturday shoppers, clearly eager to spend their weekend sitting in congestion! Thus as the pre-match talk was underway (to the five members of the team on the pitch) the oppo had been for their run, completed a structured warm-up and were alert and waiting to start.
With such impeccable attention to the build-up, the visitors quickly found themselves three goals down in the opening ten minutes. A rugby (or possibly cricket) score was potentially in the offing, as promotion chasing Maidstone started with their tails up. However, the visitors settled down and gradually settled into the game and there were positive signs with Dom Curtiss and Henry Goodwin showing touches of class up front.
The Millers have been in worse situations at half time this season, so talk was vaguely optimistic of salvaging some pride, even if actually winning the match might prove beyond them. While an early fourth goal in the second half was a bit disheartening the hockey was still positive. However, the real turning point in the match came as another fine Henry Goodwin run down the left was curtailed prematurely by an extremely clumsy challenge (possibly verging on ABH) which left him with a gaping head wound and a trip to A&E; once ex-army Medic Barry Thomas had patched him up on-field.
Surprisingly, the home side came out of the fifteen minute break more alert (and with players to spare) and quickly capitalised with two goals. Dom Curtiss, who had been unlucky to see his shot hit the post minutes earlier, slotted home, for his debut Millers goal, following some good build up play. A final two goals came for Maidstone as legs tired in the closing stages.
The Millers will be relying on traditional navigation techniques (map and compass) to travel to their home game on AW2 this week, in the hope of a full warm-up and a marginally better start to the game as a result. Thanks to Barry (medical intervention) and James Curtiss (patient transport) and to Henry, wishing you a speedy recovery!