Recently, Mens 4's have been drawing games against opposition that are above them in the league. last weeks game was a fine example where after going a goal behind due to a defensive error they managed to claw themselves back into the match through a classy goal from the developing Finn Smith. But try as they might any additons to score were just not forthcoming.

Therefore, 4's went into the game aginst St Ives 5s hoping that the free scoring style would return especially because in the away fixture early on in the season there was a 5 - 1 win. 4s started in determined fashion trying to pass the ball around with some pace and penetration. This proved to be quite successful and St Ives found themsleves being pressed further and further back towards their own goal. St Ives had their moments utilising a mix of experienced and young players up front to create some chances but a lack of a telling ball meant that they couldn't capitalise and get a shot on target.

With 10 minutes gone, 4s scored their first goal. A melee within the St Ives D saw the ball reach Ludwig who was lurking with intent at the top of the area. He mishit the shot but somehow the ball went straight and true at slow speed back through the assembled Kettering and St Ives players into the goal. Not a classic, and Ludwig turned away with a sheepish look on his face.

At the re-start there was more of the same. Prolonged pressure from Kettering saw a few chances being squandered. Try as he might Lee Paris, who regular readers will know has been on scintillating form recently just could put the ball away. Either putting it wide or directly into the keepers pads.

The passing and movement of the Kettering players improved as the work that has been happening on the training ground and in recent matches began to pay off. They even began to transition the ball from one side to the other. But still the gioal wouldn't come. Finally towards the end of the half, Tony Heath smacked a long ball into the D from the right of the pitch beating a couple of defenders but not the outstretched stick of Shaun Curtis, who managed to get the faintest of audible touches to deflect the ball into thge back of the net.

2-0 at half time, St Ives were rocking and Kettering 4's could sense that a cricket score was a possibility.

Then second half started in a similar fashion with Kettering camped within the St Ives 23 yard line. But as the half went on 4's play deteriorated from the highs of the first half. The players forgot to pass the ball, got themselves into trouble and gave the ball away too easily. Fortunately St Ives couldn't capitalise on this tardiness and score. Not for a lack of chances, just for a lack of shooting / passing skills when confronted with an overload situation in the Kettering defence.

The third goal came, much to the relief of the kettering team, late on in the half , from a short corner routine. Again Ludwig found himself clear at the top of the D and this time made no mistake with the shot as the ball was hit past the keeper before he had chance to react.

3-0 at full time and back to winning ways. A good three points to keep the team in a excellent 5th place in the table closing in on fourth. But lessons need to be learnt about getting back to a simple passing game and cutting out the sloppiness and silly mistakes. Against stronger opposition the result could have been very different.

The next game is the intra club fixture against 3's in the new year. The new years resolution for 4's is to match and improve on the results of the first half of the season. If they can do this then 3's will be assisted in winning the title and 4's have the oppurtunity to be in the top three.