Kettering 3rds 2-1 Wootton Wanderers 2nds

In the final fixture before the Christmas break Kettering 3rd’s took on Wootton 2nd X1 in a keenly anticipated and hugely important top of the table clash.

Wootton fielded an extremely strong team and Kettering were put under immense pressure from the start, but the defence held firm with some fine clearances from sweeper Beth Hardy and keeper Laura Beswick. Good, solid defensive work from the back four enabled Kettering to settle and build a few attacking moves of their own.

Hard work & tireless running from Imogen Smith and Natalie Irons caused problems for the Wootton mid-field but unfortunately they were unable to make that final break through the solid and packed Wootton defence. Wootton were always dangerous on the break and some stout defending was need by Kettering with Laura Newlyn and Sophie Guyett putting in some outstanding tackles.
Intelligent play by Imogen Smith saw her move back into defence from mid-field when she felt the situation demanded it.

Wootton continued to press forward and the Kettering keeper was called into action on a number of occasions. Good marking by the defence forced many of their shots to go wide however and for those on target Beswick was on hand with a number of fine saves to keep Kettering in contention.

Kettering never gave up and began to look more dangerous on the break with Sienna McNeil and Eleanor Izzard eventually finding a way through the solid Wootton defence. Sandra Mandziuk was always on hand to collect and distribute the ball and eventually their determination paid off after a number of skilful passing moves found Elana Freedman unmarked in the “D”. Freedman had anticipated well and after moving into a great shooting position was able to casually slot the ball home to score the first goal for Kettering.

Wootton had slightly more possession in the first half but Kettering came into their own during the second period. Harriet Drake-Lee and Katie Woolveridge both had outstanding games with Woolveridge driving down the right and Drake-Lee causing Wootton all sorts of problem with her skilful runs through the midfield and down the left hand side of the pitch. Harriet Drake-Lee did more than enough throughout the game to deservedly earn the “Player of the Match” award.

Unfortunately Wootton managed to pull one back following a break away move but Kettering were not deterred and continued to pressure the Wootton defence. Their determination eventually paid off when the hard working Caitlin Curran was on hand to fire home a second for Kettering.

Wootton continued to mount forceful attacks on the Kettering goal but determined defending and hard work by the forwards and midfield to keep possession of the ball enabled Kettering to see out the remainder of the game. The whole team was absolutely delighted and somewhat relieved by the 2 – 1 win against their nearest rivals in division 2 of the Northants league.