Opening day defeat but there's a long way to go

We visited City of Peterborough for our first league fixture on a beautiful, hot and sunny September morning, but a variety of factors saw us travel with a bare 11 players. Kettering started strongly, passing the ball around effectively and moving forwards well, and it wasn't too long before a nice series of passes found their way to Andy Bull who, whilst pushed away from goal and to the byline, was able to put the ball away from an almost impossible angle, 1-0 to us.

Peterborough were certainly also capable of playing and found their way forward, their attackers' movement keeping the Kettering defenders on their toes, however their actual chances were limited very well and it was to take a well struck short corner for them to draw level. A second soon followed for the hosts, and with a speedy, well worked attack there was little we could have done to have kept them out, 2-1 to them, but this was really their best first half chance in open play. We maintained our composure and the first half saw us carry on attacking well, so whilst at the half time break we were disappointed to be trailing the game, we knew that to keep doing what we were doing would see us get back into the game and the win was still there for the taking.

From the restart we were straight back at them and looking lively, carrying on just where we left off from the first half. Five minutes in and a superb passage of play saw the ball squared to Dwayne Lambert who calmly put away the equaliser. As before though, the Peterborough players were again to prove capable and a couple of quick, precisely worked goals from them saw us down 4-2. By this point, whilst still looking good going forwards, our lack of subs in the September heat started to come into play. Peterborough had a two subs advantage so with being able to rotate players regularly they started to edge possession. We pushed on to try and get goals back and we did create chances well but unfortunately couldn't find the net again. With tired Kettering legs out there Peterborough were also able to start counter attacking more effectively and scored again, eventually hitting 7 in total to give them a resounding victory.

You might think there is little positive to take from a 7-2 defeat, however that's not the case here. For the first 45-50 minutes I would say we were in fact the better team and looked the more likely to win the match. The score of this match does not tell the whole story, every man who wore a Kettering shirt ran themselves into the ground and did the club proud despite the result, and I've no doubt they will do so again for our first home fixture next week when we entertain Ely City 2s back at Bishop. A notable mention has to go to new player Ives Lai who I would especially like to thank for agreeing on Friday night to play in goal rather than outfield. The 7 goals conceded are by no means on Ives' shoulders as he put in a hugely commendable effort between the sticks and made some great saves, thanks again Ives.

We will be grateful for your support next week for our first home match so come to watch if you can, 14:30 start, and rest assured you will see us going for victory.