Kettering 2's 4 - 0 Horncastle 2's

Kettering hosted a Horncastle side with high expectations after their second half performance against Louth last week. Things didn't start off too well with a number of the team only just making it to pitchside 10 minutes before the game started. This may have played its part as Kettering started somewhat slower than usual, with passing being too close to the opposition, and easily picked off. It was also clear that Horncastle had arrived with a strong defence, and it seemed to be working as Kettering still struggled to find consistency in their play

However, solid defending as ever meant there was no threat on the Kettering goal. The passing game did pick up in patches, and it was during one of these patches that some very sharp passing saw the ball moved almost from D to D, where captain Ricky Payne from just inside the D slipped the ball to an unmarked Sam Deprisco who smashed the ball past the Horncastle keeper. 1-0, and that's how it stayed until half time.

The second half passing was an improvement on the first, if not yet at the level Kettering have been used to so far this season, but it did pay dividends, with leading goal scorer George York managing to get on the end of two balls across goal to create some breathing space. The final goal of the game was brilliantly finished by Matt Wood, tipping the ball from above hip height after some pinball inside the D.

Horncastle had their share of driving runs through the midfield and down both wings, but the Kettering defensive line seemed to have things under control, meaning goalkeeper Matt Coe once again had a very quiet game between the posts.

Kettering will need to improve if they want to keep their perfect run going, and will look to do so immediately with a late trip to Spalding next Saturday.