Men's 3rd XI play well but end up on losing side

Kettering entertained Cambridge Nomads in their final league match of the season. The visitors were higher placed in the league, so Kettering knew they had to be at their best.

Unfortunately, the start was far from ideal. Inside the first ten minutes, Kettering were behind. A cross from the Nomads right found an attacker with too much space at the back post. Although keeper Gareth Tasker managed to get some stick on the ball, he couldn't prevent it crossing the line.

However, Kettering showed their mettle and bounced back. Within five minutes they were level. An exquisite through ball was played by Ben York, perfectly weighted for Tom Sheffield to run on to. The striker made no mistake and slid the ball past the onrushing Nomads keeper with aplomb.

It was an evenly matched contest but Kettering found it difficult to deal with the runs from the Nomads midfield. The visitors regained the lead when they created an overlap in the circle and used the spare man with clinical results.

Into the second half and Kettering took the initiative. Dan Carter and Adam Mills showed good strength and control in the midfield and Tony Heath was proving a thorn in the side of the Nomads defence.
The home side forced a series of penalty corners but never quite managed to carve out a gilt-edged chance.

Towards the end of the match, Nomads broke forward and a runner from midfield was left unmarked at the back post to slot in their third goal.

There were lots of good performances from the young Kettering side and the team can be proud of their debut season in the East league. The future bodes well for the club as the youngsters progress up through the ranks and new up and coming players join the team next season.