Men's 3rd XI continue march towards league title

Kettering travelled to Ely knowing that a victory would virtually guarantee the league title. They had been forewarned that the new home pitch was very slow but ironically this helped Kettering more than their hosts. Through balls for paceman Finn Smith were particularly effective on the playing surface and he nearly took full advantage after just two minutes. An aerial pass from Nick Cusk was collected by Smith and he bore down on goal but his shot slid narrowly wide. At the other end, goalkeeper Ray Norwood had to be alert to keep out a deflected shot from Ely.
Kettering deservedly broke the deadlock after 10 minutes following great interplay from Smith and Mark Hawkins saw the youngster's shot slide home. For the remainder of the half, Kettering continued to press forward. The returning Hal Robinson shone on the right of midfield ably assisted by the ever-improving Ben Smith.
Smith went close to bagging his second and Hawkins was unlucky to see an outrageous lob hit the crossbar. Finally Kettering scored their second, via a short corner. Cusk fired in a trademark flicked shot that was too powerful for the Ely defender on the line to keep out.

The second half carried on where the first left off with Finn Smith, Ben Smith and Robinson combining well down the right. The visitors outplayed their hosts all over the pitch and Josh Cox, Harry Chambers and Frazer Cairns all contributed to a great team performance.
Midway through the second period, Finn Smith was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post. Meanwhile, in defence, Norwood kept his concentration to smother an Ely effort from a rare short corner for the hosts.
Kettering continued to search for another goal to put the result beyond doubt and Hawkins was once again thwarted when his powerful strike hit the frame of the goal.
Having been tormented by the pace and skill of Finn Smith throughout the match, Ely resorted to foul play to stop the teenager. He was surrounded by three opposition players who jostled and pushed him completely unnecessarily. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the unseemly incident.
Kettering saw out the remaining few minutes and the result means that a home victory next weekend will see them crowned league champions.