Great Scott.

New year, big game.
Pointless Bourne against improving Kettering. Which way would it go. A 3pm start and a highly motivated Kettering at the ground in plenty of time knowing a win could almost guarantee survival already. A healthy 13 players (Hockley and Allen unhealthy) and a welcome return to Ellis Grant after his collarbone fracture. All the very old players had used the festive period to recover from various knocks and were up for the challenge.
To be fair Bourne started very much like a team not rooted to the basement and controlled possession and territory. Chances were however few and far between but slightly against the run of play Darren Brookes fired home a short corner. Bourne managed an equaliser just before the interval.
Knowing they hadn’t played particularly well in the first half Kettering knew they needed to raise their game. That worked well. One minute into the second half and Bourne snatched the lead. Kettering now really had to up their game. Fortunately they did. Brookes and Jacques Laurens, when on the pitch, caused problems as Kettering exerted pressure. Another short corner and a breakdown saw skipper Paul Donnelly smash the ball home. Parity saw the hosts become a bit ragged. ‘All action’ Ellis was, shall we say, ‘chastised??’ by an old boy who really should know better. We obviously told Ellis to keep up the good work and no danger of us complaining about Ellis being only 14!!
Surely a winner would arrive. It did from a reinvigorated Craig Scott who fairly hammered a rebound in via the post.
Kettering’s performances over recent weeks meant they deserved a bit of luck and now move into almost the heady heights of mid table.
Next week sees another 6 pointer as Camb City visit fortress Bishop.

It would be almost remiss to mention the paucity of refreshments - half a pizza between 12 and the home side tucking in before their guests. Duly noted.

All in all a great start to 2024 and the unbeaten run stretches to one.