Much needed point for Kettering

This Sunday’s rearranged game for Kettering against Telford needed the 14 strong side with the sun blazing down and the need for a win. Kettering took both the opposition and themselves by surprise when they took the lead within the first minute of the game. From the push back Jess Clarke passed into Sophie Reynolds who played the ball out wide to Harriet Goswell. A short pass back in to Reynolds resulted in a strike across the circle for Megan Forader to run onto and tap past the unsuspecting keeper. This was exactly what the home side needed and now the task was to build on this. However the lead was not held for long as a bit of slick passing from the away side almost replicated the Kettering goal as an oncoming player connected with a crossed ball first time to equalise. 

Despite having a few skilful players on their side it was apparent that the team ethic was not quite there for Telford and as Kettering continued to break down play and move the ball forwards, they began to cause issues across the pitch. Player of the match, Beth Winfield was pivotal in defence ensuring the ball found its way out to midfield which kept the tempo up proving a challenge for Telford to keep up with. With the heat rising, players started to become lethargic which inevitably lead to mis-timed tackles. Kettering were the first to suffer the green card sin bin as Emma Storey was deemed to do just that, this being her first ever card! This didn’t deter Kettering who continued to create chances as the forward line worked tirelessly to run and take on the opposition defence. The only thing missing being the final goal as the opposition keeper seemed to be on good form today. 

The second half saw Kettering gain the lions share of possession with the ball moving out fluidly to wing backs Storey and Charlie Fowle, which allowed them to play the quick ball down the lines. Telford soon had a player of theirs receive a green card for another late tackle, shortly followed by Goswell receiving a second for Kettering. At temperatures rose both literally and metaphorically, with the desire to get that much needed win, play started to become a bit scrappy in places with Toni Hustwait receiving a third green for another clumsy tackle. Once again the side coped well whilst players were off and not only defended well but continued to create chances, and soon enough they were back up to numbers. During the final few minutes Kettering pressed forwards with excellent play between Storey, Hustwait and Reynolds down the right. It was Winfield though that broke through, beating players and driving to the base line with the aim for the ball to be crossed to waiting players, although this didn't quite play out. 

As the final whistle blew the side left the field feeling somber due to still not gaining that win, despite another good team performance. Surely this goal drought will end soon, let’s hope sooner rather than later!