Whites beat the Blues in intra-club friendly

The 3rd team league fixture was cancelled so the opportunity was taken to play an intra-club friendly featuring players from the 3rds, 4ths and junior section.

Although the 3rds were frustrated not to play a league game, from a club development perspective, this was a major milestone. It was the first time that the men's section had fielded five teams in over 20 years. So, it is another great achievement and a sign that the club is heading in the right direction.

Two mixed teams were selected and split into the Blues and the Whites. The Whites had the better of the early exchanges with Andy Bull leading the line for them. It was an intriguing contest between him and Jake Coleman who was marshalling the Blues defence.

After about 10 minutes, the Whites went in front. A cross evaded Tom Ward and fell to Stuart Mitchell in the circle. His shot was well saved by debutant goalkeeper Sam Berridge but then there was a tangle between Berridge and Blues defender Neil Manley which allowed Andy Bull to finish from close range.

As the half progressed, the Blues asserted themselves more and more. Freddie Drake-Lee and Caleb Fox, playing their first senior match, formed a good partnership with the experienced Paul Brooker in attack. They were ably assisted by Hal Robinson and Josh Cox in midfield. It was Robinson who created the best chance of the half. He drove into the circle and made a perfect pass to Brooker on the penalty spot. Brooker's shot went past keeper Ray Norwood but not Ben Smith who was on hand to clear off the line.

During the second half, the Blues continued to press for an equaliser. Wave after wave of attacks from Drake-Lee, Robinson et al were rebuffed by the Whites defence, anchored by Nick Cusk and Ben Mills. The latter was able to launch counter-attacks with his aerial passes but they failed to put any significant pressure on Berridge in the Blues goal.

Paul Brooker fired in a powerful lifted shot which Norwood saved with a brilliant reaction save, Fox fired a shot inches past the post, Cox rushed his shot when in a great position in the circle and Robinson couldn't get the power he wanted with his first-time effort.

For the whites, Mitchell and Geoff Elliott were industrious in midfield but they were kept at bay from some tenacious tackling from promising young defender Samuel Tattersall and veteran Tom Ward.

In the end, the Whites held on to secure their narrow victory, but the real winner was the club with new players, young and old, demonstrating their potential and heralding a bright future for Kettering hockey.