3 for the 3s against BD 4s

We were determined to produce a backlash after last week's unfortunate defeat and despite that loss we had every reason to feel confident going into this game against Bourne Deeping 4s.

The game started in typically positive fashion with us playing on the front foot from the off. It was the first appearance of the season for Ryan 'Giggsy' Smith, who along with the ever incisive Neil Manley linked up well to not only break up play but move the ball around swiftly. The first goal always felt like it was coming, and sure enough we put a chain of such swift passes together, half a dozen players linking up perfectly to give Andy Bull the shot on goal which was dispatched without hesitation, 1-0. The second came soon afterwards, Andy Bull receiving the ball at the top of the D, maintaining total composure under pressure to turn his defender before striking it home from maximum range, 2-0.

Bourne Deeping wren't to take this lying down, and whilst Kettering had the best of the first half the visitors did also get forward around our D but didn't do enough to get through. A third came from the stick of George York who drove home with no uncertainty to make it 3. A fourth goal by Neil Manley was ruled out by the umpires but we went into half time feeling certainly capable of extending the lead. There were some areas identified for improvement but on the whole we felt in control of the game and fully intended to keep pushing forward.

The second half was all Kettering, aided by the visitors going down to 10 men when one of their players suffered a hamstring injury with no subs available (we hope he recovers quickly) but we did everything but score. Kettering were awarded two penalty flicks, one saved and one missed (the second still reportedly somewhere in orbit) and maintained attacking pressure throughout the half but the visitors were resolute and we failed to break through any further. Still, it was a good performance and we were good for the win against good opposition.

Our Man of The Match went to Harry Chambers who played some truly lovely hockey and showed great movement. It was a close run thing though, and so an honourable mention must go to Ben Smith who also had a brilliant game and came second with the nominations.