Winning Streak Continues

Kettering Men's 3rd team posted their third consecutive league win in a row courtesy of a brilliant brace from well-known local historian Tony Heath. St Ives 5 were the latest team to be vanquished by the 3rds.
Kettering's forward line was bolstered by the return of Tim McDowell and Harry Tanser and the visitors dominated possession with Tanser, Ben York and Ben Smith probing for an opening. However, the experienced home defence held firm. Half-chances fell to York and Smith but they could not capitalise. When Kettering did get into the St Ives circle, the giant frame of the St Ives keeper snuffed out the danger.
At the other end, a reassured display from defenders Nigel Parkes, Richard Middleton, Justin Smith and Matthew Bennett meant that keeper Ray Norwood was untroubled.

At half-time, skipper Neil Manley reinforced the need for patience, confident that the breakthrough would come. Early in the second half, it nearly came via a lung-bursting run from Mike Ramsay. The chance didn't materialise but Kettering didn't have to wait long. A penalty corner push-out was received by Heath and the top of the circle and his powerful shot scorched the goalie's pads as it nutmegged him. Five minutes later, a mazy run by Tanser was crudely stopped. Inexplicably, only a short corner was awarded. However, justice was done when another Heath strike was too fast and accurate for the St Ives defender on the post.

Tanser nearly rounded off a fine display with a sublime reverse stick shot but his effort was deflected past the post. With ten minutes to go, Kettering showed great professionalism and composure to see out the game, despite some bemusing umpiring decisions going against them.

Next week, Kettering entertain Cambridge South 5 in a friendly match.