Kettering 4 - 0 Towcester

Finally!!! A positive match report to write due to Kettering’s emphatic win over Towcester today! With the season end drawing closer and Kettering not having had the ideal start to the second half of the season, nerves were high pre-game. With many players not having picked up a stick in the last two weeks thanks to the wonderful english weather, it really was a make or break type game. Both sides started strongly with both testing out each other’s defence, moving the ball around the pitch well.
It was Kettering that soon took the lead as a stint of possession saw Cath Irvin find a through ball to an unmarked Toni Hustwait. Both Hustwait and the oncoming keeper collided at the top of the circle but the ball fell fortunately to the striker who took the ball around the keeper to score from the right. This goal gave the home side the lift they needed and another gear was found. A second goal soon followed as Kettering gained a penalty scored that saw the ball slipped left to Linzi Webster whose ball in was deflected by a Towcester player to again fall very kindly for Hustwait who was at the left post to slot the ball away. A third penalty corner was awarded in quick succession where a straight strike from Jess Austin was pounced on by Harriet Goswell whose tenacity ensured the ball found its way through the defensive line to again find Hustwait who secured her third of the game and the player of the match vote.
Being in the lead at half time was a huge relief for the team who in previous weeks have felt their hard work hasn’t always been rewarded with goals. It was now their game to win and the second half didn’t disappoint.
Again, both sides worked hard at high intensity but it was Kettering’s defensive work particularly from newbie Emma Storey who ensured Towcester couldn’t find a goal despite there being a few near misses. Beth Lewis made vital tackles in the middle of the pitch, linking up well with Jess Austin to gain possession of the ball, thus ensuring that the away side couldn’t maintain possession. Kettering continued to press forward and were unlucky to not score more as a cross from Irvin was almost connected with by Mally Dolphin. Kettering did finally seal their win as a ball from defence found Irvin on the left who drove the ball forward with composure to find Megan Forader running into the circle, who then took on the goalkeeper to put the ball away for the fourth goal.
Kettering are in action again tomorrow against Solihull at 10.30am which promises to be another good contest but another much needed win!