The 1st team kicked their season off today with a very impressive win against an excellent Maidstone Tornados side. The game was played on the new 3G Astroturf pitch at Mascalls schools which is a brilliant surface and made for a fast and entertaining game.

The two sides had never met before but with the Tornados finishing 3rd in Division 1 of the Maidsone & Mid-Kent Sunday League this was always going to be a close contest.

Artois gave debuts to five new signings; Brisaver, Jubead, Warran-Smith, Tarling and Wells, with Blade as stand-in captain for the absent Thirlaway. Blade and Wells stepped up to fill the gap created by the absence of regular centre-backs Pope and Thirlaway. Tarling played in centre midfield and was singled out by the opposition as our outstanding player. Warran-Smith played up front and formed a good partnership with Oakley. Both strikers caused problems for the opposition throughout the game. Jubead came on at leftback and made some very important challenges for us late in the game.

Artois domininated the 1st half but squandered several gilt-edged chances. The only goal was scored by Marc Oakley who latched on to a beautifully weighted through ball by Tarling and calmly lobbed the out-rushing keeper from 20 yards.

The 2nd half belonged to the Tornados who pressed for an equaliser throughout. Brisaver in the Artois goal made many good saves, the highlight being a point-blank reaction stop following a corner. However, a drilled cross by Hardy was spectacularly headed into his own goal by an unfortunate Maidstone defender on 70 minutes to close the game out. Wells marshalled the Artois back-four immaculately throughout as the Tornados forwards were caught offside on numerous occassions.

With several players missing today, and further signings possible, it's already clear that we have our strongest squad for many seasons. Mr Searles, our manager, is sure to have many sleepless nights with team selection.   

The game was played in great spirit and we look forward to a repeat next season. We also wish Maidstone Tornados all the best in their forthcoming campaigns in the Maidstone & Mid-Kent Sunday League and Kent Sunday Premier Cup.

Finally, just a word for Stuart Wrangle who is battling to overcome his long-term injury woes and lead our attack again. As well as Stu's possible return, we also look forward to seeing what old and new faces who missed today's opener can do as they get their chance to shine in forthcoming friendlies (next week's game - away to AC Crowborough).