Youngsters shine in well-deserved draw

Skipper Neil Manley had to reshuffle his squad for the visit of St Ives 4 to Kettering. There were six under-16 players in the team including Jacob Tattersall who made his senior debut.

Before the match started, the visitors were second in the league, so Kettering knew they had a tough task ahead. The youngsters were challenged to see if they were able to step up, and they certainly delivered!

The experienced Tony Heath pulled the strings in central midfield but he was ably assisted by James Hogg in what promises to be an exciting combination. Not to be outdone, Ben York, Ben Smith and Harry Tanser all linked up well as Kettering probed for an opening.

The visitors relied upon more direct tactics and when several home defenders dived in to tackles, the St Ives skipper took advantage and slotted home.
Their lead was doubled when a short-corner strike found its way in at the far post.

The youthful Kettering side showed its mettle and refused to buckle. Towards half-time, the deserved breakthrough arrived. Heath made a burst down the right-wing and crossed to the back post for Dan Carter to score his first goal of the season.

Into the second half, the momentum was with Kettering. St Ives started to tire and also vent their frustration at the umpires. Two green cards were shown but with a different official, the punishment could have been worse.

The home side comfortably absorbed the pressure from St Ives. The defence was well-marshalled by Nigel Parkes, Justin Smith was tenacious with his tackling and Bill Greenwood launched counter-attacks with his long aerial passes. In attack, Tom Sheffield and Peter Wenje harassed the visitors defence with their speed and determination. On the odd occasion that St Ives penetrated the circle, goalkeeper Ray Norwood was on hand to clear the danger.

With three minutes left to play, Kettering equalised. Good work from Hogg and Tanser led to a penalty corner being awarded. A Tony Heath strike from the top of the circle left the St Ives keeper floundering and meant that Kettering gained a point with a very creditable draw.