Kattering 2s 3 - 0 St Ives 3s

Kettering entertained a St Ives 3rd team fully expecting a difficult test. And they were right. Coming into the game, St Ives had a relatively similar record, scoring a lot, and not giving up many in return. Possibly a few unlucky goals at bad times had resulted in a couple of draws/losses that they didn't deserve...

The game started very fast, and both teams working tirelessly from back to front looking for what they know would be a very important 1st goal. It was very much honours even for the bulk of the first half, and Kettering knew they were in a fight. However, Kettering definitely had the better clear chances, and but for some great defensive work and goalkeeping they may have scored earlier. However, eventually, a fantastic effort by Sam Deprisco, beating 3 defenders before drilling an unstoppable shot past the St Ives 'keeper. 1-0, and so it stayed until half time.

The only other point of merit from the first half saw eventual Man of the Match Archie Colwill receive a somewhat harsh green card after a St Ives player tripped over his trailing leg.

The second half continued in much the same vain. Kettering knew a second goal would likely end the contest, or at least open the St Ives defence up slightly as they would have to push forward. However, after Matt Hill missed a gilt edged chance, his frustration got the better of him, and see too saw a green card for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, this didn't affect the Kettering team, who scored almost immediately after his departure. From the free hit, the St Ives player attempted a speculative pass across his 23, which was beautifully picked off by Jason Clarke, who slipped the ball through to George York. Yorks first shot was saved, but he lifted the rebound over the 'keeper, and a last ditch attempt by the St Ives full back wasn't enough to keep the ball out. 2-0, and Kettering had some breathing room at last.

The third and final goal came after St Ives had pushed forward (as they had to to try to get the goal their play definitely deserved), and a breakaway saw Sam Deprisco on hand to deflect a ball across the goal in at the back post.

3-0 victors in the end, but this was definitely the hardest the Kettering have been pushed so far this season. Kettering march on, and can expect just as tough a game next week against a so far unbeaten Wellingborough side.