Kettering edge seven goal thriller

Another week, another squad change. Fortunately, the Kettering junior system is bearing fruit so Harry Tanser and Adam Mills were able to make their debuts in the 3rd XI. Additionally, Richard Middleton returned from injury to bolster the visitors' defence.

The match against Cambridge South 5th XI did not start very brightly when the home side took the lead in the first few minutes. Everyone expected a cross but the Cambridge right wing managed to slide the ball home past a bemused defence.

Undaunted, Kettering regrouped and went on the offensive. Pressure down the right wing paid off when the ball came into the circle. Ben Smith controlled the ball at the top of the D, then fired in a shot low into the corner of the goal.

Kettering kept up the pressure with Harry Tanser and James Hogg making lots of probing runs up front. One run from Tanser was spotted by skipper Neil Manley and Tanser found himself one-on-one with the keeper. He made no mistake and coolly slotted home.

Before half-time, there was still time for Tanser to force an instinctive save from a powerful reverse stick shot.

The home side were invigorated by the half-time break and restored parity with a short corner. The flick into the top corner was too good and keeper Ray Norwood stood no chance.

Kettering kept playing hockey with attacking intent and Phil Coward led the way from his unaccustomed midfield role. Coward spotted Neil Manley in space on the right wing who returned the favour with a cross to the top of the D. Coward picked his spot and shot accurately into the corner.
The visitors' tails were up now and shortly afterwards Tanser thought he had scored his second, only for the umpires to controversially disallow the goal.

The home side were dangerous on the break and forced a few short corners but Norwood showed his mettle and dealt comfortably with them.
Cambridge finally equalised when Kettering's Manley was in the sin bin. A spell of pressure in the circle was too much and the ball was forced home with less than five minutes remaining.

Finally, Kettering's never-say-die attitude paid off. Good work in the opposition circle by Hogg led to the ball coming back to Manley who fired home powerfully into the far corner.

A great team performance was rewarded with the win. 12 year old Archie Colwill played with composure of an experienced player and 80 year old Bill Greenwood showed the energy of a much younger man. Hockey is a beautiful game!

Next week, Kettering entertain Ely when they resume their league campaign.