Men's 3rd XI hit St Ives for six

Kettering 3rds travelled to St Ives for an early match against the 5th XI and looked to continue their recent good form. They faced an opposition bolstered by a couple of senior players - a compliment in a way. Kettering were very patient as they looked to break down a stubborn home defence. After 10 minutes the deadlock was broken by Andy Bull who powered into the circle, rounded the goalkeeper and finished off with a neat reverse stick shot. Kettering continued to press forward and great chances came and went for Harry Tanser and Ludwig Roder. Both managed to round the goalkeeper but couldn't apply the killer finishing touch.
After 20 minutes, Bull doubled Kettering's lead. Frazer Cairns, who made an impressive debut for the 3rd team, crossed in to the top of the circle. There was still plenty of work for Bull to do, but he expertly fired a reverse-stick shot into the bottom corner. After 24 minutes, Bull completed his hat-trick. Skipper Neil Manley passed into Harry Tanser at the top of the circle. The youngster coolly controlled the pass and laid it off to Bull who fired home. After 28 minutes, Bull scored his and the team's fourth goal. Mark Hawkins crossed from the right and found Bull who had made a penetrating run across the circle. The striker fired in an unstoppable shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the goal.
Before the end of the half, Kettering earned their first short corner of the match. Nick Cusk found Hawkins at the back post, but his shot was smartly saved.

In the second half, the visitors looked to extend their lead but they were opposed by a young keeper in great form. Hawkins earned a short corner which led to Cusk flicking a shot, only to see it turned round the post by a diving St Ives goalkeeper. A subsequent short corner was switched to Bull but once again his shot was parried by the home keeper. Another Cusk short corner shot was saved by the St Ives goalie as Kettering continued to be frustrated.
From open play, Bull worked an opening for himself at the the top of the 'D' but he couldn't get a good connection on his shot. Finally, the second-half deadlock was broken when Paul Brooker went on a powerful run down the left wing. Despite being fouled en route, the veteran winger was able to pass into Harry Tanser in the circle and he nutmegged the outrushing goalkeeper for the fifth goal of the day. Tanser was then instrumental in the sixth goal for Kettering. His initial shot was saved but Hawkins was on hand to finish powerfully.
With time running out, St Ives managed a rare foray into the Kettering circle and earned a short corner. The hosts switched the ball and got a shot away which was helped past Kettering keeper Ray Norwood by a deflection from Cusk. This consolation goal only took a tiny bit of gloss off a very professional performance from the visitors.

Next week Kettering entertain Ely 2 in a top of the table clash.