Men's 3rd XI secure important win over St Ives 4ths

Kettering travelled to St Ives 4ths looking to avenge their defeat at the beginning of the season and they started the match on the front foot. Andy Bull, Harry Tanser and Jacob Tattersall all created chances but they couldn't get their shots away quickly enough and the St Ives defence was able to clear. The hosts also recalled their excellent keeper which made the task for Kettering that bit more difficult.
About halfway through the first period, visiting captain Neil Manley fired in a cross to the back post which Josh Cox deflected towards goal only to see the keeper save it with his toe. However, after a couple of ricochets, the ball fell to Jacob Tattersall who scored in the corner with a well-taken reverse-stick shot.
St Ives looked to hit Kettering on the break with the pace of their youngsters up front. With a slippy pitch to contend with as well, the visitors' defence couldn't be complacent. Jake Coleman rose to the occasion and snuffed out danger a number of times with trademark well-timed tackles.
At the other end, Finn Smith made his debut for the 3rd XI and scored a vital goal to cap a fine performance. The youngster received the ball with his back to goal but was able to turn sharply and fire in a shot to the back post. The shot took all the defence by surprise and the ball went through a sea of legs into the St Ives goal.
Meanwhile back in the Kettering defence, Gary Thorpe was playing well and his long-range arrowed passes to Tanser and Bull kept the pressure on the hosts.

In the second-half, Kettering kept control of the game and were determined not to let St Ives back into the match. Midfielders Cox and Hal Robinson probed down the wings while Tanser was a constant threat with his intelligent runs into space. Once again, the St Ives keeper was kept busy as he smothered every half-chance that Kettering created.
Midway through the half, Tanser made a great interception and burst into the circle but his early shot was parried away. Subsequently the visitors forced a series of penalty corners but Nick Cusk couldn't fashion a clear-cut scoring opportunity.
For the umpteenth time, Tanser had a chance in the circle and this time he was able to cross for Robinson, but the youngster wasn't quite able to stretch far enough for the vital touch at the back post.
Towards the end, St Ives had a chance but Ray Norwood was able to make a routine save in the Kettering goal and maintain his clean sheet.

That victory ensures Kettering retain their lead at the top of the league over the course of the Christmas break.