Kettering Ladies 2nds 2 - 1 Earls Barton

Kettering Ladies 2nds knew a win v Earls Barton would give them the Northants Ladies Division 1 league title. Determined to make sure that’s last weeks result against Daventry would not go to waste. Kettering started strongly and attacked Earls Barton down both wings with Helen Keyworth and Harriet Drake-Lee, however they just couldn’t score. The breakthrough finally came when Shez Coe released Felicity Goodliffe down the right. Goodliffe carried the ball into the D and along the baseline before pulling the ball back for top goal scorer Kirsty Smith to slot home. Smith made hard work of it but eventually on the third attempt found the back of the net. The second half saw nerves get the better of Kettering as Earls Barton pushed for an equaliser. Kettering we’re almost trying too hard and lacked composure in front of goal. However eventually they got a second when Goodliffe fired home after a short corner breakdown. Kettering then instead of controlling the play allowed Earls Barton back into the game almost immediately making the score 2-1. This led to a tense final quarter of the game with Kettering pushing for a third goal to ensure victory and Earls Barton pushing for an equaliser. Amy March was called into action to make a crucial save as the Earls Barton centre forward found herself one on one with the Kettering keeper. Kettering then decided enough was enough and took hold of the game. Chris Rolland-Jones and Louise Storey stood firm in the centre of defence and Emma Storey worked tirelessly to ensure that Kettering would not concede again. Kettering eventually were able to see the last few minutes of the game out to get the win they needed. Kettering lift the trophy as winner of Northants Ladies Division 1 for the first time for many years. A victory which has been hard fought throughout the whole season as a team and was won really with last weeks victory over a Daventry, although Earls Barton made them work hard to get over the finish line. A fantastic achievement by all the players who have given everything this season in terms of commitment, effort, enthusiasm and support for each other and have played some excellent hockey along the way.