Enough of the Western puns, our first league game since promotion saw us head west to Spalding. How would we fare? A new team with new faces, a new structure, first game cobwebs etc.
Well it started well, Kettering dominated but against the run of play Spalding scored on the break. Their lead was short lived as Ethan drove into the D to set up Shaun to do what he does best and calmly put it past the keeper. Shaun then gave Kettering the lead on 12mins when this time Young Gun Ed W set him up. Shortly followed by Ethan (having the game of his life) driving into the D after a through ball from myself found him in space, and then he calmly lifted the ball over the diving keeper.
Spalding pulled one back from a short after the first shot was well saved by Mike but the follow up somehow dribbled in slow motion into the corner. Provider Ed then became scorer (for his first Men’s 4 goal) with a cool finish after a bit of a goal line scramble with Ben S providing the assist.
Again Spalding pulled one back from a short corner. (something to work on at training I think!) so the scores at half time 4:3 to us.
After the break Kettering again dominated, but with the foundations from the defensive display with Teo, Conor and Ben S providing both a solid defensive but also attacking intent, with Nick and Justin in the centre of defence. The mid field engines (Dani, Ethan, Martin and Stu) were running smoothly with a good mix of flair, aggressive tackling and creative disruption. One hand Dani being particularly unorthodox but remarkably effective.
On 55min, another good move saw Shaun with the ball in the D. With Shaun stationary, ball under control, but with his back to the goal, the keeper stood up behind him, then inexplicably just came through the back of Shaun, then for good measure tried to clear the ball with Shaun on the floor, he did make contact with the ball which unfortunately for Shaun wasn’t the hockey ball if you know what I mean. (Always funny for the rest of us)
Flick awarded. On a hattrick even with eyes still watering Shaun stepped up and bagged his hattrick and a jug for the rest of us at the Cheese and beer night. Then immediately limped off. On came Doug, who then after the midfield stole the ball back after the restart, smashed home one of trade mark shots from the top of the D with his first touch.
Spalding got a late consolation, again an arial over the top that caught our defence out. With the clock winding down and pretty much the last touch of the game Ethan bagged another goal courtesy of Shaun’s through ball and yet another calm finish.
So a Magnificent 7 goals and 4 scored by our Young Guns. Some stuff to work on, particularly around defensive shorts. (not sure about attacking shorts we did win any!) and positional/structure – just as well our coach was there to see first hand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain’s thoughts – A year of change and rotation through the teams is likely, but it’s great to see players flexibility into coming into different teams and doing a job.
Player of the Match – Ethan – 2 goal, one assist, endless energy, great tackling back and a contest threat
D0D – No comments and no names but the award was won before the pushback for a no show.
Champagne moment – Ed W scoring his first senior league goal for the 4s.
Captain’s mention – Our drivers. Often we forget, and rely on the players (often the same ones) to drive week in and week out, without which other players wouldn’t be able to get to the matches. Also thanks to those parents who also drive and take other players (and cheer from the sidelines). However we can always do with more volunteer drivers from the parents pool.