An excellent result for the Kettering U18s against a Bedford team who were fully expecting to win against ‘little old Kettering.’ Moreover, Bedford must have been further disappointed by their home-crowd, who were dwarfed by the U18 Ultras in both size and noise. Perhaps it was for the best, though, as the game got quite feisty – which suited Kettering just fine. Bedford? – not so much…

Bedford did score first. Within five minutes, Kettering centre-back Adam Mills had played a beautiful ball straight to the opposition centre-forward, who drove straight into the ‘D’ and smashed the ball into the bottom-right corner. 1 – 0. It took Kettering a good ten minutes to get into the game; in retrospect, Bedford will be disappointed that they didn’t kill the game then! Once Kettering found their swagger, they were clearly on top, yet unable to clinch a goal. Mid way through the half a penalty stroke was awarded in Kettering’s favour. Harry Tanser elegantly flicked the ball past the keeper who had wiped him out moments before. 1 – 1. Kettering were patient with the ball, smashing it around the back, although some loose marking in the centre of the pitch made for some rather nerve wracking moments – but Kettering were resolute in their defending; Harry Chambers in particular put in a shift, keeping a very good opposition midfielder from having much of an impact. Thankfully, Kettering scored again before half-time – Tanser finishing a darting move. 1 – 2.

The second half saw a lot of cards. At some point Bedford equalised, but Kettering never believed that they’d do anything but win the match. Mills began the card onslaught, yellowed for a dreadful tackle. He was immediately joined on the side-line by the Bedford player he’d just tackled – he’d decided it was a good idea to retaliate at the accepting Mills. 10 vs 10. Jack Bridges was also yellowed for going straight through the back of someone, but only after a couple of other Bedford players had been yellowed and greened. 8 vs 9. The pitch was strangely bare. People came on and off gradually, but Kettering were far more disciplined than Bedford, who imploded, perhaps not used to being on the back-foot for so long. Wallace Cairns scored the final goal, making it 2 – 3, after Harry Tanser did all the leg work and put it on a plate for him. Deciding to reward himself for the goal with a rest, Cairns got himself greened for taking an opposition free-hit.

Simply, Bedford came expecting an easy win. Instead they’ve been banished to tier 3. The march to Lee Valley continues next week with a trip to Blueharts in Hitchin.