Kettering suffer narrow defeat to Earls Barton

KETTERING LADIES 3RD TEAM v EARLS BARTON
Saturday 22nd September 2018

Earls Barton showed their intent from the opening minutes of this first league game of the
season by putting the Kettering defence under immense pressure. Kettering were rather slow to rise to the occasion and after six minutes Earls Barton were rewarded when the ball
bobbled across the line to give them a one goal lead.

This did not look good for Kettering but the goal seemed to vitalise the team and they began to make inroads into the Earls Barton half with good interceptions from Lydia McCarrick and Mandy Starsmore-Young. Great through balls found Liz Metcalfe and Ola Bednarczyk working exceptionally hard up front and both caused the Earls Barton defence huge problems. Shots on goal which would have found their way past most keepers were well defended and saved by the Earls Barton keeper.
Earls Barton continued to push forward but the defence held firm with Evie Wharf in
particular, reading the game well and making numerous telling tackles and interceptions. The occasional ball that did find its way into the “D” was ably dealt with by Kate Metcalfe in goal. Good clearances from the defence to Kate Randle and Julia Telford in mid field enabled the team to settle as Kate and Telf used their skill and experience to hold the ball and
distribute it to their team mates.

The team worked tirelessly to contain Earls Barton and find inroads into the oppositions “D” Lucie Freeman made a great debut performance tackling well and showing good skill and determination as she weaved her way past the defenders. Passing was good and she linked up well with Megan Newlyn to open up the defence.

Kettering went so close on so many occasions with Ola, Liz and Patsy all on target but they were denied yet again by some superb goal keeping. Kettering put Earls Barton under a lot of pressure but Earls Barton never once took their foot off the pedal and finding the centre blocked began to attack down the wings. However, they were no match for Emma Storey and
Ellie Mulligan who both defended really well and were able to push forward after winning the ball from their opponents.

With seven minutes to go Jonesy our hard-working sweeper was given a well-earned rest and the team went for broke with three up front. Hard work from Megan and Lydia kept the ball in the opposition 23 and Ola, Patsy, Kate Telf and Bibby all had great shots on goal saved yet again by some outstanding keeping. The team also won a number of penalty corners in the dying minutes of the games but frustratingly the results were the same as we witnessed some unbelievable saves and shots which passed just inches wide of the goal.

The team can be proud of their performance despite the result. Every member of the squad gave 100% and considering the fact that this was the first time the squad had come together they can be certain that better results will follow.