An Undeserved Loss

Despite a strong desire to continue with last weeks winning ways, Kettering Ladies XI found themselves on the end of another loss away to Shrewsbury this weekend. 

An uncharacteristic late push back for the ladies with an almost 4 hour round trip to counter may have been contributory factors as both goals conceded were in the first half. 

Kettering did have opportunities to score with the first being from player of the match Toni Hustwait, whose pass from the top of the circle found Harriet Goswell on the penalty spot, reversing the roles from last week, but this time not quite connecting with the ball to put it in the goal. Another came from Megan Forader whose drive into the circle resulted in a shot at the keeper, and despite the rebound collected by Forader the ball drifted achingly wide of the post. 

Needless to say that Kettering found themselves playing against some poor umpiring decisions which significantly affected play and ultimately had a role in both Shrewsbury’s goals as a foul was not seen on both occasions. This was extremely disappointing and frustrating for the side who did manage to keep the second half to a 0-0 draw, working hard for each other on and off the ball. 

Further opportunities were there to be taken by the away side as Imogen Smith received the ball at the top of the circle only for the shot to go wide, and Goswell collected a ball once again from Hustwait at the top of the circle only to have the shot closed down quickly by their defence. Another came from a penalty corner as Laura Beacon wound up to take a hard strike but with a defender closing her down quickly the connection wasn’t quite there. The positive of all these opportunities, despite not coming to fruition today, was that it shows we are in the right places, we now need to convert these! 

The defending team, particularly in the second half, were solid as they dealt with keeping some of their skilful players at bay who perhaps enjoyed a bit too much free reign in the first half. Nik Baker pulled off some great saves to keep the score line down in the first half and stayed alert for the odd breakthrough during the second. 

Overall a game that Kettering didn’t feel they deserved to lose and will certainly aim to rectify when Shrewsbury travel to us!