Kettering Ladies 1s First League Win

A home fixture for Kettering Ladies 1s this week and their first league win!! 

The tables were turned this week as Kettering seemed to have the larger squad, and Stone found it challenging to find a foothold in the game as Kettering’s determination and slick play dominated. 

From the push back Kettering pushed forward and maintained the attacking approach through the whole half. Jess Clarke, and player of the match Cath Irvin, dominated the centre of the pitch, moving the ball quickly through to the forwards. Tireless running from Emma Findlay ensured her positioning was inch perfect for a chance on goal, but the ball just would not find its way into the opposition net. The home side cleverly used their 2 subs this week with Harriet Goswell and Charlie Fowle both ensuring the level of intensity remained high. The first goal soon came as a tiring Stone side gave away a penalty corner for a poorly timed tackle. The first attempt at the routine was halted as Goswell was judged to have moved too quickly into the circle, so with a change of routine the ball fell to captain Laura Beacon to set the bar and she was taking no prisoners. Connecting with the rebound to lift the ball at the goal and taking a sweet deflection off an opposition stick on its way ensured Kettering took the well-deserved lead. Stone questioned the goal, trying to rattle the home side but Kettering had already set up ready to restart. 

Stone did manage to gain a penalty corner late in the half and were it not for Fowle’s goal line clearance from behind Nik Baker in goal, the score line could have been very different.  

Positive comments from player/coach Clarke at half time gave the side added confidence so the second half started much the same as the first. When Stone did manage to get the ball they were closed down quickly and Kettering worked as a team across the whole pitch. 

Kettering's hard work once again paid off as a pass from the centre of the field found Goswell on the left, who drove down the wing and along the back line to then deftly play the ball into the circle for Toni Hustwait, who showed composure and control, to place the ball to the right of the keeper. This was the breathing space Kettering needed and meant that they could relax a little in to the game. 

As the Stone side grew increasingly frustrated, their lack of creativity and fitness started to show, whereas Kettering seemed to find another gear. A third goal was close as another run down the left, this time by Hustwait, was pulled out to find Clarke whose ball in to the D was very nearly tucked away by Findlay. 

In the last few minutes of the game Kettering did concede another penalty corner and if not for the 2-0 lead would have potentially been a testing time for the team, but the defending team held firm and ensured the clean sheet was maintained. 

A fantastic performance by everyone and just the win that was needed after previous good performances had not giving Kettering the points they deserved. Onwards and upwards for this developing team who are finding their love for the game all over again.