Kettering Turn the Tables on Bedford

Kettering 2–0 Bedford 2s

What a difference a year makes!

Last season, Kettering, proudly sponsored by JPP Group, travelled to Bedford and came home on the wrong end of a 3–0 defeat. This time, under the lights, the boys in blue produced a superb all-action display to beat a strong Bedford 2s side 2–0.

With just 12 players available after car trouble ruled out Will Hartley, and youngster Jack York making his first-team debut, Kettering could have been forgiven for starting cautiously.

They did anything but.

Kettering had to soak up some early Bedford pressure, with skipper Matt producing a commanding display in goal and keeping out a series of short corners.

Once the early storm had passed, Kettering took control.

Composed defending, relentless running and rapid counter-attacks had Bedford constantly on the back foot. Wave after wave of Kettering pressure eventually paid off when Luke won a corner and Harry smashed the resulting short corner past the keeper to put Kettering ahead.

And Harry wasn’t finished.

Just before half-time, history repeated itself as another short corner fell to Harry, who once again found the back of the net to send Kettering into the break 2–0 up.

Bedford came out looking for a way back into the game after the interval, but Kettering stood firm. The hosts carved out a couple of excellent chances, only to find the Bedford keeper equal to them.

At the other end, Harry was called upon to produce a vital goal-line clearance, keeping Bedford at bay and protecting Kettering’s advantage.

Despite having just 12 players, Kettering showed no signs of tiring. Their relentless energy began to tell as the 14-man Bedford squad started to feel the pace.

Dom was absolutely everywhere, covering huge amounts of ground, but it was a real team effort, with every player putting in a massive shift.

The final whistle brought a thoroughly deserved 2–0 victory and, more importantly, a performance full of energy, discipline and belief.

From a 3–0 defeat at Bedford last season to a 2–0 win under the lights this year — that’s some turnaround.

If Kettering can produce performances like this consistently, there is every reason to believe they can be a serious force in Division 1 this season.