Frustrating draw vs local rivals

The stage was set for a tense game for our Ladies 1sts this weekend as they faced local rivals, Towcester. Having previously lost to the side in the away fixture 3-0, the side were determined for this not to happen again, and to get some much needed points. 

For the first 10 minutes of the half Towcester dominated possession as nerves took hold of Kettering, although as time passed Kettering managed to find their way in to the game, impressively pressing and pushing forwards, creating chances and deserving more. Tireless running from the forward line of Megan Forader, Toni Hustwait, joint player of the match Sophie Reynolds, and Emma Finlay proved a challenge for Towcester to contain. Despite the number of opportunities the half time score was 0-0, but the tension was building. 

As the second half started Kettering continued to press but were caught on the counter attack a few times and if not for some great instinctive saves from Nik Baker in goal, would likely have found themselves behind. As it was this spurred the home side on more and joint player of the match Imogen Smith, who had just subbed on, picked up the ball in space, drove in to the circle and attempted a reverse hit shot which did find the back of the net, but had unfortunately came from the back of the stick. 

Another opportunity came a few moments later as a driving run from Hustwait found Reynolds driving forwards. She picked up the ball and looked set to be in on goal 1v1 with the keeper only to be completely wiped out. For what should have been a penalty stroke but was only awarded a penalty corner, Kettering still couldn’t find that needed goal. 

It seemed that neither side were going to score as the game continued and neither team wanted to commit too many forwards for fear of conceding and losing the game. Beth Winfield decided to push forwards however and almost created another opportunity as she dinked the ball over the head of an opposing player, only to pick it back up again and be set for a shot. Unfortunately much like the rest of the game, this was a game of “almosts” and both sides had to settle for a share of the points. 

Next weekend is a double header for the side as they travel away to Solihull on Saturday and host Telford on Sunday.