Gravesham & Wellcome HC fell to a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Maidstone in a match full of drama, near-misses, and cruel twists of fate. Despite a spirited second-half performance, GW couldn’t find the all-important equaliser, leaving them needing six points from their remaining four games to secure promotion.

The game started with early chances for GW, but Maidstone’s direct approach and aerial balls put their defence under pressure. That pressure told when Maidstone struck first, firing a powerful shot into the net from the top of the D. Just minutes later, they doubled their lead, leaving GW with an uphill battle.

Maidstone nearly made it 3-0, but goalkeeper Dan Stapley pulled off a crucial save to keep his team in the game. GW responded well, and after excellent wing play from Jay Chima and Jesse Bradley, it was Bradley who found Aaron Elliott, who calmly slotted into the side netting from close range to make it 2-1.

GW had a couple of short corners before the break but, missing key players at the time, they couldn’t capitalise. Despite trailing at halftime, the feeling was that the game was still there for the taking if GW could improve their communication at the back and movement up front.

The second half started with an end-to-end intensity, but it was GW who looked the more dangerous. Ollie Simpson and Jesse Bradley both had chances, largely created by Andy Simpson’s relentless pressing down the right.

A rare top-D shot from Elliott nearly brought GW level when he latched onto a loose ball. Despite running away from goal and under pressure from defenders, he managed to turn and unleash a stunning shot that hit the inside of the post before rebounding off the goalkeeper’s feet, somehow staying out of the goal.

Another opportunity with the goalkeeper down and Elliott on the right he was only able to flash it across goal with Caulfield 5 yards back crying in desperation for a pass that might have led to the equaliser.
Another half-chance up the other end for Maidstone and not for the first time a ball unleashed across the face of the goal but none of the attackers able to get on the end of it.

Then came a controversial moment. A well-worked short corner routine saw Steve Caulfield rifle a shot past the goalkeeper and over the line, but just as the ball was about to cross, the umpire’s whistle went—awarding another short corner instead. The timing was met with disbelief from the GW players, who felt the play should have been allowed to reach it’s clear conclusion.

Maidstone continued to send the occasional long ball forward, but GW’s defence, particularly Eren Basch, stood firm. However, more drama unfolded at the other end. The Simpsons battled to force the ball over the line when the Maidstone goalkeeper, stranded on the floor, raised his stick in desperation and took out Simmo Snr. The resulting injury was serious enough to require significant medical attention.

Following a lengthy delay, a penalty stroke was awarded. With Simmo unable to take it, Caulfield stepped up, only for his effort to strike the goalkeeper’s helmet before rebounding off the crossbar—a cruel end to GW’s hopes of salvaging a point.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 defeat, meaning GW missed the chance to secure their promotion cushion. They now require six points from their remaining four games to guarantee their place in the next division – it is very much in their hands.