Kettering 2-3 Wellingborough

Well what can we say – this was a must win game to ensure that the 3rd team maintained their position in Northants League Div. 1 - a promotion they had worked so hard to achieve the previous season.
Kettering opened strongly with Sandra Mandziuk and Natalie Irons working well together in mid field while up front Sam Bedford and Ellie Peachment put a lot of pressure on the Wellingborough defence. The hard work eventually paid off when Julia Telford weaved her way into the “D” and skilfully crossed the ball for Ellie Peachment who was perfectly placed to slot home for Kettering.
Wellingborough were not to be outdone however and the Kettering defence were called into action more and more as the half progressed. Sophie Guyett, Eleanor Izzard and Beth Hardy thwarted numerous attacks and the occasional ball that found its way through were ably dealt with by Kate Metcalfe in goal. Unfortunately, the stalemate was not to last and eventually Wellingborough found the back of the net after a well taken penalty corner evaded both the defence and the keeper.
Superb play from Becki Richardson, who was called up from the 4th’s, helped to create a second goal for Kettering. Becki showed great skills as she drove her way down the pitch and she combined well with Katie Woolveridge who also had another brilliant game for the 3rd’s. Woolveridge’s cross into the “D” found Ellie Peachment yet again perfectly placed to drive home the ball allowing Kettering to go into the break with a 2 – 1 lead.
Kettering worked extremely hard to keep the lead and all members of the squad gave everything they could to maintain their dominance but it was not to be. Despite their very best efforts Kettering conceded two further goals in the second period.
The team pushed hard to get an equalizer and went close on a number of occasions but had to settle yet again to the loss of a game by one goal. With only three games left in the season a win is essential to avoid relegation.

TEAM
Kate Metcalfe Beth Hardy Jan Randle Sophie Guyett Eleanor Izzard Sandra Mandziuk Sam Bedford Natalie Irons Julia Telford Becki Richardson Ellie Peachment Claire Jones & Katie Woolveridge