Men's 3rd XI prevail in top of the table clash

Kettering Men's 3rd XI entertained unbeaten Ely City 2 in a top of the table clash. The visitors started brightly (just like the weather) and pressed the Kettering defence. However, the home team had been focusing on transferring the ball across the pitch in recent weeks and gradually this tactic began to bear fruit. The ball was worked out to the right wing and Paul Brooker crossed for Josh Cox but the youngster couldn't get his shot away cleanly. Jacob Tattersall won the first of many midfield tussles and fed the ball on to Mark Hawkins who in turn passed to the in-form Andy Bull. The striker burst into the circle and fired his shot into the far corner giving the hosts a deserved lead.
At this point in the match the heavens opened and the majority of the rest of the game was played in torrential rain. The weather didn't stop Kettering trying to press home their advantage and a penalty corner was awarded. Nick Cusk's initial shot was saved but Hawkins was on hand to sweep a shot towards goal. The ball seemed to come off a defender's foot but the offence was not spotted by the umpires. With two minutes of the half remaining, Cusk and Cox got themselves into a bit of a defensive tangle and the loose ball fell to an Ely forward. He gleefully despatched the ball past the helpless Ray Norwood in the Kettering goal.

In the second half, the visitors, buoyed by their equaliser, continued to try and run through the Kettering team. However, the speed and energy of the Ely players were more than compensated for the by the skill, determination and composure of the home defence. Hal Robinson, Jacob Tattersall, Ben Smith, Jake Coleman, Phil Coward, Tom Ward and Nick Cusk all made numerous tackles to break up Ely attacks. At the other end of the pitch, Kettering continued to try and play passing hockey, despite the inclement conditions. With ten minutes remaining, the hosts were awarded a penalty corner. The ball was switched to the far post and went loose. Tattersall tried to get his stick on it and in the melee, the ball popped up to Neil Manley. His goal-bound shot was blocked on the line by a defender's body and despite the Ely protests, a penalty flick was awarded. The Kettering skipper clinically despatched the stroke to make it 2-1 to the hosts. Ely didn't give up and they continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. More defensive duties were required by Kettering but they stuck to their task. On the occasional moment that Ely made it into the circle, Norwood was able to make vital saves. At one point, an Ely shot glanced off the post and went clear but that was the closest the visitors came and Kettering took all three points.

Next week, Kettering travel to St Neots 4 who will be in high spirits and after beating St Ives 4.