Kettering steal a point from 3rd in the league

Kettering Ladies XI showed true strength of character today to unite against 3rd in the league. The game itself was disjointed as players from both sides let the occasion get the better of them. However, a point is better than none and that is the silver lining! 

Kettering moved the ball into attack from the start, aiming to replicate last weeks early goal. For the first minutes they seemed to have the better of Burton who struggled to get accustomed to the dry, bouncy pitch. As it became apparent that the game was going to quite physical Burton started to press Kettering, making some hard tackles, often following through with their stick, body or both. Building in confidence the away side started to move the ball quickly and were soon gifted a penalty corner. Fortunately, Stacy Hall came to the rescue as the attempted drag flick bounced over her stick as she took position inside the post, but quick reactions ensured she turned quickly to clear the ball before it crossed the line. A series of corners then came but the defence, led by player of the match Laura Beacon, made sure they were kept at bay.

Frustratingly Kettering lost focus and the ball was given away from a hit out, the Burton forward being fastest to react, lifting the ball over Beacon’s stick and feeding the ball to the left forward who had proved too fast at getting in the circle to slot the ball away. Being 1-0 down at half time certainly meant that there was still plenty of time to get something from the game, and judging by the reaction of the Burton coaches to their own players, it was clear that Kettering were getting under their skin. 

Kettering showed a more energised approach to the second half as the opposition continued to be abused from their own side line about their lack of work ethic. Tireless work and pressing from the home sides forwards and midfield players meant Kettering equalised in the end. Cath Irvin picked up the ball outside the 25 and drove strongly to the base line, always with the primary intention of hitting the ball hard in to the circle. This cross came in, favourably bouncing over a defender's stick, with Toni Hustwait gambling on the shot by holding off the tight marking and throwing her stick in to get to the ball before the goalkeeper. A well-deserved goal for the side! 

Tensions began to rise on the pitch as a few of the opposition players became frustrated that they weren’t able to beat Kettering and started to resort to trying to get under the home side’s skin. Fouls continued to fly left, right and centre, and Kettering were determined to not lose this game to such a side. Some great strength and skill displayed by Beth Winfield showed just how determined they were to not give the game up as she weaved across the pitch, holding on to the ball to clear down the left wing! 

In the last few minutes of the game Burton had the ball in the circle, but with the scramble their player kicked the ball twice before Beacon won the ball from them which was then followed by them stick tackling. The initial decision was that Kettering received a free hit, however, after a discussion a short corner was awarded. Fantastic defending once again ensured that the final shot was sent well wide, justice once again! 

The game finished with another draw for the home side and that ever elusive win continues to evade the side with only 4 games left of the season.