Kettering get no reward from a good perfromance

This weeks fixture took Kettering Ladies 1s up to face Burton for a very early start. It was touch and go to start with as to whether the game would be played due to the frost covered pitch, but having travelled all that way Kettering were determined to play, and were fortunately rewarded as the pitch thawed in time for push back.

With a new formation and the added luxury of subs this week the ladies started the game positively. The press worked effectively for the ladies with Burton struggling to get out of their own half and having to resort to long crash balls through. Kettering were the first to score in the game as a penalty corner routine found Cath Irvin at the top of the circle to strike the ball for Sophie Reynolds to deflect past the keeper. The hard work paid off but there was still a lot of game to play. Burton equalised as a long ball found their forward player who then won her team a penalty corner. A tactical bounce was put on the shot which unfortunately caught the away side off-guard and found its way bobbling in to the goal. As Burton continued to rely on skilful individuals and long balls to get them ahead Kettering continued to hold but a brief lapse in concentration again allowed one of these long balls through leading to another penalty corner. Their second goal came from a straight strike tucked just inside the left post. Scoring just before half time gave the home side the lift they needed but Kettering still felt they were able to take something from the game.

They applied pressure once again at the start of the half and a weaving run from Mandy Starsmore-Young won the side another penalty corner. Having practiced corners on Wednesday turned out to pay dividends as a set routine came straight from the training field to the game. A slipped ball to Reynolds was sweetly tucked under her arm to square the ball for Player of the Match Jess Clarke to slam home. Putting 2 goals past a strong Burton side who have kept an almost clear defensive record so far was a fantastic achievement and definitely something positive the ladies can take from the game.

The final result didn’t quite go Kettering’s way though as Burton pushed to earn another penalty corner and despite a goal line save from Charlie Fowle, Burton were quick to pounce and tap the ball in to the open goal.

There is clearly still some work to do as the side adjusts to new positions and not having sideline guidance, but despite today’s loss, the actual overall performance and attitude across the pitch was another step up and shows that they are moving in the right direction.

Next week the side have a home fixture against Stone whose defensive record is significantly different to Burton’s so hopefully Kettering can start to build their own goal tally.