Kettering 0-3 Wildcatz

Wildcatz opened strongly against Kettering 3rd’s and put the defence under immense pressure from the start.
The defensive line-up was a little slow to rise to the challenge and within the first ten minutes Wildcatz found a gap in the defence and fired home to open the scoring. Wildcatz continued to push forward but were contained for long periods by Claire Jones, Beth Hardy and Laura Newlyn at the back. The occasional ball that found its way through was ably dealt with by Kate Metcalfe in goal.

Kettering mounted a few attacks of their own and great distribution from Julia Telford generally found her midfield players Neola Bush, Natalie Irons and Eleanor Izzard in space. Neola Bush made numerous stunning runs down the pitch weaving her way past numerous defenders but a number of good crosses into the “D” went agonisingly wide of forwards Sandra Mandziuk and Sam Bedford who had worked tirelessly to get into position to shoot.

Wildcatz found themselves in a position to counter attack and despite good defensive work a second goal followed after an unfortunate deflection wrong footed the keeper.

Kettering re-grouped and continued to make inroads into the Wildcatz defence with Neola Bush and Natalie Irons showing great skills as they worked their way down the pitch. Good back up from defenders Laura Newlyn and Claire Jones down the left and right enabled Kettering to maintain possession for longer periods of time and Kettering went close on a number of occasions through Sam Bedford and Sandra Mandziuk.

Wildcatz were not finished however and just before the break a stunning run and powerful shot from the Wildcatz centre found the back of the Kettering net leaving Kettering three goals down at the break.

Kettering showed great character as they battled through the second period of play. Every player demonstrated great determination and commitment and Wildcatz found it more and more difficult to find a way through to the Kettering “D”. With Julia Telford continuing to control the midfield and excellent play from Katie Woolveridge and Eleanor Izzard working down the wings Kettering created more and more opportunities to get onto the scoresheet. Sam Bedford and Sandra Mandziuk went close on a number of occasions and forced a number of penalty corners. Unfortunately Kettering was unable to capitalise on the corners but at least managed to keep the second half score line at 0 - 0

TEAM
Kate Metcalfe, Beth Hardy, Jan Randle, Claire Jones, Laura Newlyn (captain), Julia Telford,
Natalie Irons, Sandra Mandziuk, Neola Bush, Eleanor Izzard, Sam Bedford Katie Woolveridge