Kettering 2-1 Bourne Deeping

The self styled Bourne Deeping Dragons were already relegated prior to their spring visit to Kettering. The host however were still in the relegation mix after a new league directive indicated it may now be three down from Div 2N. Knowing this Kettering set about their resplendently shirted multi coloured opponents but the first real chance came the way of the visitors. A loose ball in midfield from Jacques Lourens was intercepted by the Bourne centre forward but his tame shot didn’t trouble Barry Coe in the Kettering goal. After intense pressure Kettering eventually went ahead when Paul Donnelly scored for the third time in four weeks from a short corner breakdown. Man of the Match Donnelly was also responsible for two magnificent raking cross field passes to right back Ed Jennings that completely opened up the Bourne back line but Kettering were unable to prosper. Despite the game being played in the Bourne half Kettering could not extend their lead. The second half became very scrappy but Kettering eventually scored when the irrepressible Pat Cawley fired home. Chances came and went but Kettering were unable to seal the game and the Dragons were thrown a lifeline when a short corner, awarded after the dismissal of Ross Mathieson saw lourens save it on the line only to deflect it to a waiting forward. This gave Bourne the impetus to push on and try and snatch a draw but despite the loss of Lewis Pywell to a clumsy tackle and having to defend a couple of late short corners they held on for an important three points.
Next week Kettering travel to champions elect Cambridge South with the intention of showing them how far this young side have progressed since South won the earlier fixture 2-0 at Kettering.
Top tea this week. Many thanks to Pat, and more so Sarah.

Bourne’s match report can be found Here