Top of the table clash and due to some anomalies in the league fixture the only time we play each other this season, and at their. The best defence in the league (ours) against the most prolific scorers (Ely 3) set this up to be a cracker.
With 15 players, 9 U18 (8 of which are U16), it was a youthful team, but not without talent as every player warrants their selection based on talent and effort irrespective of age, as proved by today’s performance. (to prove the point, 3 player received their Kettering debut pin (delay due to supply issues) who have only started senior hockey this year.)
The rain had stopped and the game started, Kettering were fast out the blocks and got a couple of shorts, finally one paid off with Andy (promoted from the 5s) passing the ball to Shaun to slot home, 5mins in and 1 up. Unfortunately we only kept the lead for 7 minutes when we got caught on the break. Things got worse after another 10 when the ball was lost on the half way for a Ely player to dribble through what seemed like our whole team and slotted home. The match was end to end, couple of chances missed by both team, and a couple of our Shorts went agonisingly wide so 2:1 at half time.
A change to the formation to provide more in the middle of the park (where the Ely threat had been through the first half) saw us move to a back 3 and 3 up front. Again a fast start saw Kettering with a lot of the ball high up the pitch, another short saw Ben J play a bit of ping pong with their keeper before managing to get the ball in the back of the net to equalise.
Nate made a couple of great saves, and infamous slides to prevent us going behind again. An amazing goal line save by one of their defenders saved what looked a certain goal with a keeper well beaten and the ball destined for top bins. A couple of crunching tackles on Shaun (ever the menace as normal) meant some more shorts, one of which Oscar put away after yet another great injection by Stan. 3:2 with 15 to go.
Nate again made a couple of great saves and slides to deny an equaliser. Then a bit of an odd event. A crash ball from our midfield went through all the players towards goal, the keeper kicked the ball out to a player at the top of the D, immediately our players were on him. The player then literally picked up the ball with his hands. Umpire awarded a short. Ely keeper and player complained saying the ball had crossed the line and his was kicking out for the restart – the umpire then overturned his decision.
An Ely short with 5 to go, was initially well defended by but the second phase shot saw Tom R nearly lose his head, and unfortunately the unsighted Nate could not stop the equaliser. Nate was call on again and another slide, this time lucky not to get carded, but the short was well defended.
The last 5 saw both side trying for a win, but when the final whistle blew and after a great end to end game, and a good competitive game, both teams were happy to remain unbeaten for the season. Shame we couldn’t do it all again at Bishop.
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Captain’s thoughts – I make no apologies because they deserve it but going to praise our youngsters again. Not only for the normal hockey skills but for listening and settling into changing formations mid way through the game. All were amazing but need extra mention for Teo, he was awesome playing in a back 3 for the first time, and Ethan on debut for 4s, a consent threat on the wing and not afraid to get stuck in with defensive works. Both worthy of their MOM nominations.

Player of the Match – Nate – At least half a dozen really good saves, and 3-4 slides to nick the ball from the feet of on rushing attackers, and looking innocent enough not to be carded.

D0D – Awarded before the game in fact 2:30hr before, to Ben S for panicking everyone at 12;05 by stating he was sorry in having missed the meet time and would therefore have to miss the game. Luckily the meet time was 12:30!! So all good .

Champagne moment – Any of the 3 goals or great saves.

Captain’s mention – The Senior players. I often talk about our amazing youngster, but not enough credit goes to the senior players in the team. All of which help (both me with tactic) but in particularly the manner they help coach and encourage the youngster, whilst at the same time playing great hockey.