Kettering Topple Towcester

Kettering's second friendly of the new year took place today against Towcestor who are currently in the league above. Despite the freezing temperatures the 13 strong side were confident of producing another good performance. As the game started Kettering were almost a goal down within the first few seconds when a long ball caught the home side out and a cross into the D connected with one of the opponents sticks and hit the post. Fortunately, this was the closest the away side came to scoring and Kettering were soon in the game.

Kettering worked tirelessly to apply pressure and force errors when needed, and worked hard to move up and down the pitch to support each other during the first half. As confidence started to build the ladies found themselves in the opponents half more and more and the pressure soon paid off when a cross from Cath Irvine found Liz Metcalfe on the penalty spot, who was cool under pressure, to lift the ball over the keeper to put the team ahead. Towcestor continued to rely on the long ball but the Kettering defence stood fast with some excellent defending from Laura Cave and Stacey Hall in the centre, playing the ball out confidently to the midfield.

At half time Kettering were pleased with their performance so far and knew the game had more goals in it and so the second half started with Kettering continuing to apply pressure. Towcestor managed to win a few penalty corners but these were dealt with strongly by the defence. Player of the match Jess Moricca continued to test the away side with her pace and silky skills and was unlucky to not put Kettering further ahead after she pulled the ball wide, despite having taken practically the whole opposition on to find herself in front of the goal. She soon found her goal though as another display of excellent team passing started with Cave who found, Kate Randle in the middle, who quickly put the ball out wide to Irvine. A long ball was then quickly played to Harriet Goswell whose quick lay off to Moricca rewarded her and the team with their second goal.

Despite missing a few players today Kettering showed resilience and strength in their performance and should feel encouraged for the start of the league fixtures. With one more friendly to go before taking on Worcestor at home, Kettering are continuing to get better and better.