After last week's epic win over Bedford Kettering's U18s found Blueharts just a bit too strong for them but played their part in what was an excellent advertisement for junior hockey.
The hosts took the lead after 9 minutes when a twice saved short corner was eventually flicked home. Kettering rode out the storm with Archie Colwill continuing to enhance his growing reputation with another colossal performance aided by the defensive unit of Ed Jennings, Adam Mills and Josh Cox. Kettering's midfield of James Hogg, Jack Bridges Jacob Tattersall and skipper Dom Cusk worked tirelessly to try and feed forwards Tom Storey and Harry Tanser with some possession higher up the pitch. Ketterings best chance of the first half came from a short corner won by Tanser but the Blueharts defence read the switch move and it came to nothing.
The second half started with Jennings receiving a two minute suspension just prior to a Blueharts goal being chalked of for a foot. A Blueharts midfielder was then also shown a green.
On 51 minutes Blueharts scored an outstanding goal which was absolutely smashed into the top corner from the top of the D, still rising when it hit the net, giving keeper Matt Coe, who was outstanding throughout, no chance. Skipper Dom Cusk saw green for a stick tackle. Colwill produced an exceptional goal line clearance to keep Kettering in the match.
Kettering them had their best chance of teh second half when subs Harry Chambers fed flying Finn Smith who tried to tee the ball up for Storey but was thwarted by Blueharts covering defence. As the players became tired Adam Mills and a Bluehart midfielder both received yellows for weary tackles.
An outstanding performance by Kettering's team against a well drilled and experienced side who were well worth their win but Kettering pushed them all the way and we wish well as they continue in the competition.