Kettering Deliver Another Giant Killing

Kettering Ladies XI sealed their recent form with another tremendous win this week hosting rivals Tamworth at home. Teamwork and grit were at the forefront of the performance as the teams confidence continues to build. With two games left and still the dreaded relegation battle to avoid Kettering's new found form couldn't have come in a more timely fashion! 

Kettering started the game as they meant to go on by piling the pressure on the away side early. The narrow press and the stepping up of the defence meant that Tamworth found it difficult to find any space on the pitch and Kettering were unfortunate to not go ahead early through both Megan Forader and Harriet Goswell. 

Kettering soon took a deserved lead after a dangerous ball earnt the home side a penalty corner. Laura Cave's straight strike proved too powerful for the keeper as despite getting her stick to it, it still found its way in. As half time approached Tamworth found some space for a counter and earnt themselves a penalty corner from which they scored to tie the score at half time. 

The second half saw Kettering find another gear and despite tiring legs and windy conditions they continued to press. Cath Irvin played a pivotal role in breaking play down and winning the ball back through timely interceptions to earn the player of the match vote this week, and this paved the way for the rest of the team to follow suit. A weaving run from Sophie Reynolds got the home side another penalty corner and this time it was Jess Austin's shot that proved to be unstoppable, slamming its way past the keeper and post player. Kettering needed another to gain the cushion as Tamworth started to push. A training ground practice led to the third goal with Reynolds winning the ball high to drive across the back line and feed the ball to an oncoming Austin who scored her second with power. 

As the game was drawing to a close Kettering continued to work hard, supporting each other across the pitch and it was this that led to the final goal. Kettering once again found themselves with the ball in the opposition's end. An initial shot by Reynolds rebounded from the keeper and fell to Kate Randle who hit it first time to score another exquisite goal. The fact that people were in the position to be able to collect rebounds was a demonstration of how well this team are working together and wanting to play for each other. 

With two games left Kettering are hopeful they can do enough to stay in this league as it is where they deserve to be.