Emphatic Win against Saints

Kettering 4's played their first full pre-season friendly against a spirited Saints side. In the corresponding fixture last year 4's struggled to a 1 - 0 win but this time the scoreline was much different. Improved in the off season by the addition of a number of new players, 4's were looking for a positive result. Fraser Cairns and Finn Smith, both from the Raunds Manor School hockey massif, made their debuts for the season and club.

The match started with honours even. Both teams trying to work each other out. Some good passing play by both teams. A couple of of chances either end were not put away. Lee Paris going close. However, 4's began to press further forward and a couple of short corners resulted. The first was easily dealt with but on the second Lee Paris slotted in from close range. Saints later forced a short corner of their own at the end of the half but the resolute defence of Kettering snuffed out the threat. 1-0 at half time.

Kettering started the second half in reserved fashion determined not to let their lead slip. Saints pressed forward and gained another short corner but this proved unsuccesful. This kickstarted Kettering to press forward with Finn Smith determinedly running down lost causes and winning the ball in areas deep in the Saints half. Seizing the opportunity to push up and compress the play in the Saints half Kettering pushed forward. Some simple passing plays down the right and left maintained the pressure forcing the opposition into some desperate defence.

Eventually the pressure told and another well worked short corner routine resulted in Lee Paris to slot home again from close range. Kettering were not satisfied with the scoreline and scented blood in the water. Lee Paris found himself in on goal again and did everything to try and score his third but manged to push the ball wide.

By this time the Saints players appeared to tire and very little they tried went right. 16 yard hits were being cut out by the Kettering forward line or were stopped by the more mobile Kettering midfielders. Eventually, Saints managed to get a ball away and mount an attack but ultimately the attack broke down. Phil Rowbotham picked up the ball in the right back position, beat a player, drove forward and passed the ball up the line to Finn. The ball was collected with ease and with a burst of speed and some good control, Finn beat the tiring saints defence to cut into the D on the right where a crisp shot sailed past the keeper. A candidate for goal of the season.

To finish the match, Lee Paris managed to score his third goal from another well worked short corner routine. The result was the best that 4's have had in their short history. Pleasing aspects being the plethora of chances being created and the fact that there was a clean sheet. The young players acquitted themselves well and have much to be proud of. The blend of youth, experience and improved skill level in the 4's this year has given them the confidence that a competitive mid table position is well within their grasp.