Kettering lord it over Earls Barton.

KETTERING LADIES 3RD TEAM v EARLS BARTON (21st October 2017)

Following a disappointing result against Towcester last week, when Kettering Ladies 3rd team was not at its best, Kettering opened their account against Earls Barton in much better form. “Fast and furious” sprang to mind as our midfield and forwards gave the Earls Barton defence endless problems trying to control the speed, skill and clever passing of our younger players. Their efforts were soon rewarded when a penalty corner was given within minutes of the start of the game. A great injection from Sophie Richardson found Julia Telford at the top of the “D” but unfortunately the shot was just wide of the target.

Earls Barton rallied but could find no way past the solid and well-disciplined Kettering defence with Sophie Guyett and Laura Newlyn more than a match for the Barton forwards. The odd ball that did find its way into the “D” was ably dealt with by Laura Beswick in goal and Beth Hardy was on hand to make her usual decisive and well placed clearances to her midfield.

Clearances from defence were well picked up by our midfield as they made every effort to meet the ball. Some fine interceptions and forward drives from Harriet Mills created openings for her team mates and Kettering were very unlucky not to get onto the end of some telling crosses into the “D” with Sophie Richardson, Anna Sigbodhia and Miranda Jackson all going close.

With just five minutes to go in the first half Kettering lost concentration and Earls Barton took advantage forcing a Penalty corner. Fortunately the defence managed to close down the striker and put enough pressure on the remaining forwards to force their shot wide. End to end stuff saw Kettering awarded a corner at the other end and the blocked shot resulted in a second corner but unfortunately that shot went wide. With just 2 minutes to go Earls Barton were awarded their second corner of the day and an excellent shot saw the ball slip just inside the left hand post.

Having had 75% possession throughout the first half Kettering was unbelievably disappointed to enter the break one goal down.

Kettering was not downhearted however and outstanding play by Sophie Richardson, Miranda Jackson and Natalie Irons created so many openings in the Earls Barton defence it seemed that an equaliser was a certainty. Kettering however were continually denied the goal they deserved by some outstanding play from the Earls Barton keeper. Nine minutes into the second half the hard work by the whole team eventually paid off when Elana Freedman was on hand to slot the ball home after great build up play by Anna Sigbodhia and Sandra Mandziuk.

Earls Barton were continually on the defensive and two minutes later Kettering were awarded yet another penalty corner, which unfortunately hit an attackers foot and Earls Barton were able to clear. Sophie Richardson continued to play hockey of unbelievable quality and her phenomenal work rate led to a second goal for Kettering when Anna Sigbodhia was on hand to fire home putting Kettering into the lead.

Credit to Earls Barton as they fought hard to get the equaliser and they went close on a number of occasions during the dying minutes of the game. Katie Woolveridge made a number of telling tackles as Earls Barton pushed down the left however but they could find no way though her solid defence. Julia Telford continued to control the mid field and her distribution was excellent allowing Kettering to keep possession until the final whistle.
A brilliant, hard fought game with the Wednesday evening training sessions beginning to pay dividends as Kettering 3rd’s continue to work on possession, passing and finishing.

Team
Laura Beswick, Beth Hardy, Jan Randle, Sophie Guyett, Katie Woolveridge,
Laura Newlyn (captain), Julia Telford, Natalie Irons, Anna Sigbodhia,
Sandra Mandziuk, Elana Freedman, Sophie Richardson, Miranda Jackson and
Harriet Mills