Kettering Win at Worcester

It was the battle to keep 7th place, Kettering vs Worcester, only 2 points separated us. Kettering had the best start possible. We had first push back and worked the ball quickly up into our opponents D down our left channel. Within 2 minute we had won a penalty corner. The first try and our shot didn't quite come off but Jess Austin kept the ball and forced a foul to gain us another corner. On the next go Jess Austin neatly lifted the ball from the top of the D and Cath Irvin expertly deflected the ball home. A great start, but Kettering knew 1-0 was a small lead and we would need to defend our best to keep it whilst striving for that second goal to give us a bit of breathing room. We had chances to get our 2nd, the best one coming from a surging run from player of the match Stacy Hall, our left back, who moved through the left channel, linking with Mandy Starsmore-Young and only a good challenge from their Keeper with the help of one of their defenders kept Stacy from scoring. We went into half time with our narrow lead but we were playing well and were confident of keeping our lead or scoring a second. The 2nd half was very end to end with both teams using the speed of their wingers to get the ball from one end to the other very quickly. Kettering seemed to have the best passing play in the D and did manage to get a few chance at goal. Worcester were relying on big hits into our D and when these did manage to find a Worcester forward Kettering defence held strong and Kate Metcalfe our goalie was on hand when needed. The game ended 1-0 to Kettering and everyone was relieved to finally get the win they had deserved for the last few games. Next week we have Solihull at home at 3pm and are confident of getting more points from the game.