Kettering Ladies Over 45s 2 - 2 Cambridge City Over 45s

Kettering Ladies Over 45s hosted Cambridge City Over 45s in the last 16 of the Cup. Kettering last faced Cambridge two years ago in the final at the national hockey stadium where they lost 2-1. Kettering knew Cambridge would be strong and started the game well pressing Cambridge in their own half. However Cambridge stood firm and as the half progressed they got more and more into the game. Eventually it was Kettering on the back foot and struggling to get the ball out of their half. Cambridge eventually turned this pressure into a goal and finished the half with a one goal lead. Kettering regrouped at half time and were equal within 4 minutes of the restart when Linzi Webster fired home. This gave Kettering the confidence to push on again but Cambridge were never going to give in easily. Once again they grew in strength and retook the lead. Cambridge were then awarded a penalty stroke. Kettering’s keeper, Michele Collins, made a superb save to keep Kettering’s hopes alive. Cambridge then had a goal disallowed and Kettering knew they needed to push again. With almost the final hit of the game Webster got her second and the equaliser as she slotted home from a tight angle at a short corner. With the game finishing 2-2 penalty strokes would decide the quarter finalist. Chris Roland-Jones, Julia Telford and Dusty Mason all scored for Kettering but it was not enough to take Kettering through. Kettering had worked hard to stay in the game and deserved their chance to progress but justice was probably done as the better side went through. It was a game that was deserving of a final and Kettering wish Cambridge all the best as they go into the quarter final draw.