A long trip to Bristol for a semi final against Redland (who Kettering defeated in last year’s final) was always going to be a tough prospect. A sunny day, a lovely pitch and a traditional half of non stop attacking by Kettering saw them roar into a half time lead. Early doors Helen Keyworth had a chance put pushed her shot narrowly wide. After 15 minutes skipper Shez Coe smashed home from the edge of the D and four minutes later a clean strike into the D by Mandy Gatherer saw Pam Farr neatly deflect home. Redland did get a foothold as the half wore on and, after a goal was disallowed they were awarded a penalty stroke which was duly dispatched despite the best efforts of keeper Sarah MacDonald.
Knowing the next goal would be critical Kettering started the second half how they started the first. Gatherer was unlucky to not score from a well worked short when found in space by Mandy Starsmore Young but four minutes in Coe fired home again from a breakdown short corner to restore the three goal cushion. Four minutes later the tie was effectively over when a goal crafted from Birmingham Uni circa 1986 (with an assist by Bruss) saw Gatherer find Coe who completed her hat trick from close range. Linzi Webster, as usual, covered every in of the pitch and Mel Linnell was reliably solid in defence, marshalling Dusty Mason, Julia Telford, Bruss, Jayne Jackson and Pauline Woodthorpe. Liane Coleman created tons of space on the flanks to feed Keyworth to cause huge problems for the home defence. A short corner with ten to go gave the hosts a glimmer of hope but that was extinguished as Kettering controlled the ball and the clock to complete a fine win.

A trip to Lee Valley on 4th May awaits now and a game against Bournemouth who made the long, long trip to Driffield in Yorkshire and came home victorious.

Keep an eye out for times and details if you intend to go and support.