Kettering 1-2 CoP 3rds

A delicious team lunch prior to the game ( thank you Sarah) was unable to inspire Kettering to take the points from City of Peterborough 3rds.
In damp conditions Kettering fell behind in the first minute as they were caught napping at the far post. After the initial home pressure Kettering fought their way back into the game playing some good hockey against a very solid Peterborough outfit. Starting to get some joy in teh attacking third Kettering gained parity with an excellent reverse stick shot from Pat Cawley. Kettering managed to carve out other opportunities in the CoP D but were unable to work the home keeper.

The second half saw Kettering unfortunate to concede a short corner which was deflected by Paul Donnelly onto keeper Barry Coe's head and into the goal. Peterborough's pact forwards kept Kettering's defence on their toes but they managed to keep them quiet despite pushing on for the equaliser. Although the visitors forced a number of short corners Peterborough's defence was equal to the task and Kettering's spirited fightback eventually came to nought. Mike Crane saw yellow late on for a mistimed tackle. Kettering are coping well with life in a new division but just need all elements to click. Hopefully that will be this week against when Long Sutton are the visitors to Bishop Stopford.

Kettering gave a first team debut to 16yr old Wallace Cairns who worked hard up front and shows plenty of promise.

Kettering have been drawn against Peterborough 2nds in the Cup on 28th October which promises to be a very tricky mission.