Kettering 1-1 Worcester

After what seemed like an age since their last league game Kettering Ladies XI finally kicked off their second half of the season with a hard-fought contest against Worcester. Having not had the ideal preparation for this first league game prior to this weekend, and with horrendous weather conditions to contend with a draw was an positive result for the team.

The first half of the game was an end-to-end contest with both sides pushing hard and getting the ball in to each others circles. Nik Baker pulled off some vital saves to keep Kettering in the game, as did the oppositions goalkeeper to keep the away side in the game. Both sides seemed to struggle against the weather conditions with the turnover rate being high for both sides. By the half time break the game was still at a stalemate and it was the second half that really tested the character and determination of the home side.

It was the away side who took the lead after a dubious penalty corner decision was given against Kettering and despite the best efforts of joint player-of-the-match, Charlie Fowle, the ball found the back of the goal. Kettering felt exasperated but being an early goal in the second half there was still time to turn their opportunities in to goals. However, yet another dubious penalty corner decision was given as captain Laura Beacon played the ball towards Baker in goal and the ball went off the back line. Tension was starting to build and frustration was setting in which was then particularly apparent as Worcester scored a second goal that was initially given by the umpire. Fortunately, the second umpire intervened and pointed out that the goal was actually a first strike and it hadn't hit the backboard, so the decision was overturned. This was just the motivating spur Kettering needed and a new wave of energy and determination got in to every body's legs, and Kettering stepped up a gear, determined to not lose this game. With approximately 10 minutes to go Kettering finally gained their well-deserved equaliser as Toni Hustwait took a quick free hit to find Megan Forader on the right who crossed the ball in to the circle for our other joint player-of-the-match, Linzi Webster, to lash in to the goal. The relief was evident and Kettering continued the pile the pressure on to try and gain the winning goal. Unfortunately a foot on the line, and a lifted ball in to one of our players was missed, and despite having a couple of penalty corners near the end of the game Kettering just couldn't quite find that final goal.

On the whole, a well-contested, tough game with a draw probably being a fair result at the end of it. Kettering take on top-of-the-league side, Rugby next weekend so will push on to try and close that gap. With promotion a possibility this year Kettering must try to take as many points from all fixtures as they can.