Kettering Win in Style

With pressure mounting to take points from the final few games of the season to avoid the dreaded relegation zone Kettering Ladies pulled off a spectacular team performance this weekend!

Right from the start of the game Kettering pressed high and put the home side under pressure. Kettering dominated in possession and worked tirelessly to support each other across the pitch. A number of crosses were put into the opponents circle but were narrowly missed until a ball found Sophie Reynolds who beat two defenders to then play the ball left to Toni Hustwait whose firm shot went under the goal keeper to give the away side a deserved lead. This gave Kettering the confidence to continue to press and with Boots struggling to keep up with the pace Kettering were unlucky to not get another soon after as an aerial shot from Reynolds was cleared off the goal line. Kettering did soon find their second of the game when they won a penalty corner. The ball was played to Linzi Webster on the left of the circle whose slick fake pass fooled the opposition and found its way into the goal. Despite the 2-0 cushion Kettering knew how important goal difference could potentially be in the league battle so pushed forward with Jess Austin and Cath Irvin making vital interceptions through the middle of the pitch, winning the ball back for the side.

At half time, a team talk from the new coach gave Kettering a much needed tactical approach to the game and a clear plan for the second half. Unfortunately a lapse in concentration saw Boots score from a mislaid pass, but Kettering were quick to respond. Another penalty corner saw Reynolds deflect the ball past the keeper from Jess Austin's initial shot meaning that Kettering once again had the 2 goal cushion. The ladies could quite easily have scored at least 2 or 3 more goals in the time after this 3rd goal. However, Kettering were to finish the game in style when an almost text book play paid off; Stacy Hall, who earned player of the match this week, intercepted the ball from an oncoming attacker. She played the ball to Irvin who found Hustwait unmarked on the left. Jess Moricca, following the coaches instructions, moved to the corner and was the target of Hustwait's pass. Moricca played a pinpoint pass to Austin who finished the ball in style with a hard hit into the bottom right corner, to give Kettering their deserved 4 goals.

The past few weeks have been frustrating for Kettering whose performances have not warranted the losses they have been on the end of, so today's win was both a joy and a relief for the side. They will now look to take this great form into the last 3 games to ensure they aren't fighting to stay in the league. A much deserved and spectacular win!