Kettering set out onto the beach with a strong 16-man squad for their first league fixture of the new season expecting tough resistance from Cambridge South 1st team who had fallen into this division for this year. Featuring the returning Lewis Pywell and Tom Storey, they were keen to make an impression on the league this season after last year’s strong finish. Unfortunately for the home side, there wasn’t much action in the attacking D as they struggled to find outcomes in the attacking quarter. The visitors saw at least some more success with solid defending required from Kettering, including a fantastic goal-line save from Ross Mathieson. Most of the action in this half was found in the mid-section of the pitch though with both teams finding successful connections together but not managing to carry it through to any significant outcomes. When the half time whistle blew the score was all even with not a goal or even a short corner to either side’s name.

The second half began with a renewed drive from Cambridge which saw Kettering put under lots of pressure inside their own half, struggling to get out and conceding several short corners. Cambridge’s first brush with Kettering’s net was fortunately disallowed for being too high after being smashed into the netting from a short corner. However, it wasn’t long after that they successfully found the goal again, this time coming from a well-placed deflection. This at least seemed to ignite Kettering’s fire a little as they managed to find their way into the attacking D and finally start testing South’s goalkeeper. Alas, the visitors were able to weather the storm with plenty of poor touches or ‘tickled’ attempts at the goal and the home side went away with no points after the final whistle blew for 0-1.

Kettering go onto next week to face Cambridge HC and look to break their pointless streak against them.

MoM – Ross M

DoD – Will H + Tom S

Magical Moment – Ross M