Game of 2 halves

If there was ever a game of two halves this was it! Kettering started the game positively, moving the ball quickly into attack and winning their first penalty corner of the game within the first 5 minutes. An initial strike from Linzi Webster rebounded from the keepers pass falling to player of the match Toni Hustwait who played the ball to Mandy Starsmore-Young, who then found Ellie Darnell to score on her debut. This was just the start Kettering wanted and they continued to press with excellent play across the pitch. Emma Storey also made her debut today and worked hard from the back to fit in with the teams game plan. It wasn’t long until a second penalty corner was gained which resulted in the second goal as Webster’s accurate slap hit found the inside of the post. Kettering continued to press and Tamworth found it hard to find a way through and soon enough a third penalty corner was awarded where another Webster slap was deflected in by a perfectly positioned Harriet Goswell. The first half was all Kettering so at half time the away side knew they just needed to keep going. 

However, as the second half started, Tamworth started to press harder and the organisation of the first half seemed to have disappeared. Kettering were lucky not to concede a number of goals thanks to Nik Baker in goal and a number of last ditch tackles by the defence. Tamworth were unlucky on a few occasions too, hitting the post a few times. Kettering dug in though and showed glimpses of their first half form and did get the ball in to attack, but just couldn’t capitalise on these opportunities. Fortunately the luck was with Kettering this weekend and the game finished 3-0 giving Kettering a much sought after win. With one game left before the Christmas break Kettering aim to go in to Christmas on a winning streak.