Kettering 3rds 0-3 Towcester 2nds

A fast and skilful Towcester forward line caught Kettering napping and they opened the scoring just minutes into the game, the concerted attack by the opposition giving keeper Kate Metcalfe little chance to block the shot.
Fortunately the defence soon settled after this disastrous start with Beth Hardy marshalling her back line superbly well and they held firm with some really fine tackles by Sophie Guyett and Laura Newlyn who managed to stem the flow of attacks by the Towcester side.
Julia Telford and Natalie Irons combined well in midfield to create chances for the Kettering forwards but despite sterling work by Rachael Carlin and Sandra Mandziuk up front they were unable to break through the solid Towcester defence.
Kettering were under pressure for much of the first half the speed and skill of the Towcester players causing many problems for our midfield and defence. Unfortunately the Kettering side were often second to the ball and at times their passing was not as controlled or accurate as the Towcester team. The continued pressure eventually paid dividends for the away side as they slotted home a second goal just before the break.

Kettering was not to be outdone however and began the second half with greater confidence and determination. Katie Woolveridge pushing up from right defence combined well with Anna Sigbodhia and they began to create openings and certainly began to trouble the Towcester defence. As a result Kettering was able to put more pressure on the Towcester goal which was not all that obvious throughout the first half. Caitlin Curran and Sam Bedford worked tirelessly down the left hand side of the pitch and the combined pressure eventually forced a number of corners and finally a well-deserved Penalty stroke. Julia Telford stepped up to take the stroke and her superb strike which looked unstoppable was countered by an equally superb save by the Towcester keeper,

The whole team worked tirelessly to subdue the Towcester side and Neola Bush made some excellent interceptions to keep hopes alive for Kettering. Julia Telford continued to control the midfield ably assisted by Natalie Irons and Caitlin Curran and our forwards made some excellent inroads into the Towcester “D” As the game progressed the Kettering side began to tire however and Towcester took full advantage with a third and final goal.

Despite the 3 – 0 loss the hard work and commitment of the Kettering team cannot be faulted and the great team spirit is apparent at all times.

Team
Kate Metcalfe, Beth Hardy, Jan Randle, Sophie Guyett, Katie Woolveridge,
Laura Newlyn (captain), Julia Telford, Natalie Irons, Neola Bush, Caitlin Curran, Anna Sigbodhia, Sandra Mandziuk, Rachael Carlin & Sam Bedford.