Difficult first friendly

Kettering Ladies XI travelled north today for their second friendly before the season starts to face Burton ladies. With 12 players, many of whom hadn't yet played together and a number of key faces missing, as well as the scorching weather to deal with, Kettering did well to come away having only lost 2-0.
Burton ladies were quick off the block and put Kettering under pressure from the offset. The defence stood strong with Charlie Fowle, player of the match, making some timely interceptions alongside the rest of defence to keep them out. Unfortunately a bouncy pitch enabled a cross to get through where the Burton striker capitalised and tucked it away to take the 1-0 lead. After a much needed breather and a reorganisation of positions Kettering started the second half much better. They pressed the ball and showed promise when moving the ball quickly through the midfield. Burton, however, were the next to score after a bit of confusion in the centre of the field saw a long ball reach some of their high players and their quick counter turned into a second goal. Kettering were unlucky to not score when a ball from the left crossed in at height and despite a lovely pick out of the air by an oncoming Mally Dolphin, the ball skimmed the left post.

Despite the loss there were plenty of positives to draw upon from today's performance and once team availability establishes itself the confidence of the side should continue to develop.