Much needed boost for KHCL 1s.

With the league kicking off in two weeks, Kettering Ladies XI had their third competitive friendly fixture today to get them prepared. After having two previous losses despite good team performances, Kettering needed a win to gain a bit of confidence during this pre-season run. The ladies did not disappoint and were quick to put the work being done in training to effect within the game, moving the ball in to attack quickly. Kettering went ahead within the first 5 minutes as a quick free hit from joint player of the match, Cath Irvin, found Megan Forader whose initial deflection was saved by the keeper, but Forader proved quicker than the opposition to pounce on the rebound to roll the ball over the line. Kettering continued to press forward and worked tirelessly to break down play from the opposition with some vital interceptions and tackles from fellow joint player of the match Sophie Reynolds, as well as from Emma Findley, Stacy Hall and Bethany Winfield. Moving the ball across the pitch through the defense worked well for the team, led by captain Laura Beacon, meaning that all important space was created. 

It wasn't until the second half however, that Kettering found the back of the net again with Charlie Fowle skillfully flicking the ball from near the top of the circle past the keeper, something she has been practicing each week at training. This then gave Kettering a lift, finding another gear, and as a team they continued to press. A third goal came from a penalty corner that was struck solidly by Irvin to then deflect from Harriet Goswell's perfectly placed stick into the goal, leading to Goswell's trade mark one-arm celebration! To top off the scoring Reynolds' tireless running paid off as she moved the ball to her reverse, connecting with the ball well to find Mandy Starsmore-Young who showed sharp reactions to deftly deflect the ball into the goal from the far post.

Finishing this game with a convincing win gives the ladies the lift they need particularly because a lot of what was happening on the pitch today has been worked on during training. A fantastic effort all-round, particularly considering the full side still weren't available, but impressive performances were put in from Michelle Tanser and Mandy Starsmore-Young who both stepped in to help out.