Shook off the cobwebs with a win

Despite a number of good performances in the first half of the season, Kettering Ladies XI find themselves at the bottom of the league table. This half of the season need to see Kettering returning to winning ways so it was nice to dust off the break cobwebs and come away with a win today. 

Taking on Spalding Ladies, who are an unknown opposition Kettering, this was always going to provide a tough battle. Both sides showed a good account of themselves within the first 20 minutes with everyone getting used to the feel of their stick and moving their legs again! 

It was the second interval of 20 minutes that Kettering started to take advantage of the spaces and create some flow with their passing and movement. With the majority of possession it was just a goal that was needed, and they came so close a number of times; player of the match, Harriet Goswell, almost connecting with a number of crosses directed towards the posts. Her tireless running and closing down being impressive in this first game! Another opportunity came as Jess Clarke found Toni Hustwait in space who played the ball square for an oncoming Sophie Reynolds, whose first time strike just deflected off the defenders stick. A goal finally came as captain, Laura Beacon, who was playing further upfield than usual, picked up the ball and drove into the circle. Her initial shot was closed down, but her sharpness ensured she retained the ball and it towards Mandy Starsmore-Young whose perfect position in front of the goalkeeper allowed her to neatly tuck the ball in to the goal. A well-deserved lead going into the third and final interval. 

Again, Kettering started the third dominating possession and pressing forwards all the time. Such was the force that even Charlie Fowle and Emma Storey from the back line of defence found themselves driving forward. 

A consolidating goal for the win followed by a period of slick passing from the home side with the final ball falling to Clarke whose trademark hit found the target with a satisfying ‘whack’ against the backboard. 

A fantastic start to the second half of the season to give the side a much needed boost. Next week is the second friendly at home to Rugby which will be another tough test for the side.