Superb Men's 3rd XI comprehensively beat CoP 7th XI

Kettering travelled to Peterborough not knowing what type of side they would be facing. Recent results suggested that the hosts could provide a tough challenge.
The early exchanges were quite cagey, with Kettering having the majority of possession but the experienced Peterborough team coping fairly well. Kettering were patient and displayed confidence in their ability. This was rewarded when the breakthrough came after 17 minutes. A great passing move resulted in Mark Hawkins sliding a pass down the side of the circle for the electric Finn Smith to run onto. He collected the ball and deftly slid it home from a tight angle past the grounded keeper.
Kettering's second came after 25 minutes and was all Smith's own work. The youngster harried the Peterborough sweeper who coughed up possession. Smith then sprinted into the circle and calmly slid the ball under the onrushing goalie.
The wily Peterborough players resorted to various tricks and tactics to slow the game down and break up play but Kettering had their tails up by now and wouldn't be put off.

In the second half, the visitors kept up their dominant display. Debutants Harry Chambers and Ryan Smith fitted in seamlessly and Frazer Cairns was equally at home after being promoted from the 4th team. Indeed it was Cairns who effectively secure all three points when he scored next. Geoff Elliott fired across a pass from the right-hand side to the youngster who arrived at the back of the circle to hit a first-time shot into the bottom corner.
Peterborough didn't give up and they were given a lifeline via a harshly awarded short-corner. There was rough justice when the umpires failed to spot a foot on the line from the resultant shot.
At the other end, great work by Cairns and Jacob Tattersall set up Andy Bull but the usually dependable striker sliced his shot wide of the goal. The pressure was maintained and Kettering got their fourth after 55 minutes. A shot from Bull was parried into the path of Ryan Smith who made no mistake when he shot under the goalie.
Ray Norwood had a quiet day in goal thanks to solid defending from Neil Freeman, Nick Cusk and Tom Ward. They were also involved offensively. From a short corner, Cusk slipped the ball to Freeman who fired home a first-time shot. Unfortunately for him, it was deemed to be a hit by the umpires, and therefore too high.
There was still time for Kettering to put icing on their cake. Good approach work down the left from Tattersall released Finn Smith in the circle. His initial control let him down and he was forced wide. Ignoring his strike partner Bull waiting in the centre, Smith attempted the audacious and successfully fired home from a tight angle to complete his hat-trick and seal a man-of-the-match performance.

Overall, a superb team performance that bodes well for the finale to the league season. Next week, Kettering entertain St Ives 5.