Kettering 1 - 0 Warwick

Kettering faced a tougher opposition than expected this weekend against bottom of the table Warwick. With a late push back, freezing conditions and the night drawing in Kettering needed to make this game count to ensure they kept moving in the right direction up the table. In the first 10 minutes of the game Kettering piled the pressure forward and won 3 penalty corners in a row. Unfortunately Warwick's defence stood fast and Kettering couldn't quite find that final shot. Warwick's tactic seemed to rely on the fast break and Kettering were almost caught out by this a number of times, but player of the match Jess Austin kept Kettering in the game by some trademark strong tackles. Whilst Kettering had all the play, that final ball into the defending circle wasn't quite finding it's way. It seemed like this was going to be one of those games where the home side were not going to be rewarded despite having all the pressure and the first half finished goal-less.
Both teams started the second half strongly but it was Kettering that were soon rewarded when a ball played quickly out of defence found our forwards whose pace was too quick for the Warwick defence. Ellie Darnell connected with the ball sweetly but the keeper managed to save this initial shot, however, Linzi Webster's speedy run from behind picked up the rebounded ball and she smashed the ball past the keepers head to ensure the 1-0 lead. From this point Kettering found they were in the Warwick circle more and more as the end of the game was getting nearer with a number of shots being near misses for the home side. The game ended with a deserved win for Kettering, who left the pitch feeling like they battled hard against a tough opposition.