Kettering lose in a frustrating game

Kettering faced a bottom of the league side this week, but with another week of having a lot of players unavailable we knew it wasn't going to be an easy game. Kettering started strong and had a good amount of pressure on the opposition defence. However, North Staffs started to gain a foothold as our organisation seemed to be slipping from time to time with people playing out of position.

Our opposition were the first to earn a penalty corner mid way through the first half. A deflected shot was superbly saved by Kate Metcalfe in goal to keep Kettering from going 1 down before half time.

After half time it was much the same. Kettering having the majority of the pressure but not getting anything for their hard work. Again some unorganisation allowing North Staffs to bring the ball out of their defence time after time. Kettering were able to earn themselves a penalty corner of their own early in the 2nd half, unfortunately the strike was deflected onto a Kettering foot.

As the 2nd half continued North Staffs gained some momentum up front and managed to get the ball into our D. A save from a strike from the top of the D unfortunately fell to an opposition player on the post who managed to force the ball through the marking player and into the back of the goal.

Kettering now had to work hard in the last 15 minutes to get the deficit back. Tireless work from midfielders Meg Forader, player of the match Sophie Reynolds and Cath Irvin meant we continued the pressure on the opposition, but unfortunately the final ball just wasn't coming off as North Staffs defended for their lives.

A frustrating and disappointing game for Kettering. With players back next week we are hoping for a better result.