MUFC Women: A promising start to the 2025/26 campaign

It’s the old football cliche: ‘Judge a team at 10 games’.

Maidstone United Women’s 2025/26 season has reached that point, currently 11 played in all competitions, and there is plenty for supporters to be excited about. From dominant league performances to a memorable run in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, the squad has shown real quality, resilience, and ambition as they continue to grow within the women’s game.

The Stones opened their league campaign in emphatic fashion. A 5-0 victory away at Margate Women set the tone for the months that followed, with the team’s attacking play proving too much for their early opponents. That form continued with a superb 9-1 home win against Glebe Women, followed soon after by another resounding result, a 6-1 home victory over Tunbridge Wells Foresters Women.

Most recently, Maidstone produced a professional and controlled display in a 3-0 win at Betteshanger Welfare Women, with a spread of goals highlighting the depth and versatility within the squad.

Across the autumn period, Maidstone have shown both consistency and confidence, establishing themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides.

One of the early season highlights came in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Maidstone progressed through the qualifying rounds thanks to a spirited 4-2 win over Badshot Lea Women, earning themselves a place in the First Round Proper.

Although their campaign came to an end with a tough defeat away at Plymouth Argyle Women (a side several tiers higher), the experience proved invaluable. Reaching this stage of the competition reflects the impressive development of the team and gives the Stones a platform to build upon in future seasons.

Several key factors have fuelled Maidstone’s strong opening of the season:

A prolific attack: multiple high scoring wins underline the team’s ability to create and convert chances, with goals coming from a variety of players across the squad
Resilience home and away: Stones have produced confident performances both at the Gallagher Stadium and digging deep when needed on the road
Growing squad depth: consistent contributions from players across all positions have given Maidstone flexibility and balance
Cup ambition: progressing into the FA Cup proper demonstrates the belief and upward momentum within the group

Ones to watch:

Ellie Hinkley: Goals and attacking creativity
Georgia Pearch: Defensive stability and goals
Kylie Manktelow: Goals and midfield composure
Millie Waud: Absolutely rock solid in the defence

Maidstone return to action this Sunday (30 November) with Long Lane travelling to Gallagher Stadium. With league form strong and confidence high, the Stones will aim to carry their momentum into the winter and push for a successful conclusion to the campaign.