Surprising win for Men's 3rd XI

Kettering Men's 3rd XI entertained Melton 3rds in their final pre-season friendly and the hosts started the game brightly. Andy Bull pressurised the visitors' defence and nearly made the breakthrough. The first goal didn't take long to arrive however. Bull went on a mazy run, Jacob Tattersall carried on the move and neatly laid the ball off for Bull to finish calmly. It was one-way traffic at this stage and Bull went close to doubling the Kettering lead. The striker's goalbound shot was stopped by a defender with his foot, so a penalty-flick was awarded. Skipper Neil Manley coolly converted and it seemed plain sailing for the hosts. With their tails up, the Kettering substitutes got in on the act. Josh Cox made a great interception and surging run, he transferred the ball to Tom Storey who found his partner-in-crime, Paul Brooker in the circle. The wily winger crossed expertly for Lee Paris to apply the finishing touch. It was a great team goal that should have put the seal on a home victory.

Breaking news: Kettering actually went on to score a fourth goal through Jacob Tattersall. Somehow this went unnoticed by Neil Manley who must have been dozing at the time!

However, the visitors rallied and forced a short corner which they converted and gave themselves some hope. At the other end, Paris got into a great position in the circle but shot from a tight angle instead of cutting it back for his team-mates. Kettering were made to pay shortly before half-time. A penalty corner was harshly awarded against Nick Cusk, and from the resultant set-piece, the ball found its way past defender Gary Thorpe on the line. At half-time, Melton were delighted to be only trailing by a single goal.

After the break, Kettering still struggled to shake off their malaise and Melton equalised after five minutes. The home defence couldn't clear their lines and conceded a short corner. Once again, Melton made the hosts pay the price and they drew level.
In a slight re-shuffle, Tattersall switched to right back and showed plenty of good interplay with Storey down the right hand side of the pitch. Storey was a constant threat and put in a man-of-the-match performance for the second week in succession. The second half was more even but chances came and wen for Andy Bull, Geoff Elliott and Lee Paris. One flowing move resulted in Bull firing in a first-time shot which the Melton keeper did well to deflect over the bar. Melton forced a number of short corners but finally the Kettering defence held firm and the score finished 3-3 4-3.

Next week, Kettering entertain St Ives 4 in a tricky start to their league campaign.