Kettering edged out

Kettering failed to mount a second half comeback as they lost out to Spalding 3s by the odd goal in 5.

For the second week running Kettering were slow out of the traps and by they time they had found some rhythm this week they were two goals down. Having said that Finn Smith had a great opportunity to put Kettering ahead but found the keeper and put his second chance wide. Both Spalding goals coming from rebounds following an initially saved shot. After shoring up the middle of the pitch Kettering got back into the game when Pat Cawley smashed the ball home from the top of the circle. Unfortunately Spalding regained their two goal cushion with a scrappy goal that just found its way over the line.Half time 3-1 to the hosts.

The second half saw the game predominantly played in the Spalding half but Kettering struggled to create any real clear cut chances. The arrears were reduced when a short corner move found a Max Foster free and he found the bottom corner. Although Spalding were temporarily reduced to ten players Kettering could not make the breakthrough. A short corner at the final whistle meant a tense finish but Adam Mills drag flick was deflected over the bar by Spalding’s number one runner. A disappointing result for previously unbeaten Kettering but with a young team every game is part of the learning curve. Kettering can take heart from a solid second half performance and a little more care with not turning the ball over cheaply will pay dividends in the future.

A rather disappointing pasta bake followed before the journey home.

Next week Kettering face old rivals Cambridge Nomads who are in good form and it should be a cracker at fortress Bishop.