Kettering trekked to Kings Lynn for what they knew would be extremely difficult game but were determined. Kettering started strongly by pushing forward. Kettering struck first after Isla Harvey drove up the right to cross the ball into the D to win a short corner. Issy Higgs was able to hit the ball past the keeper into the bottom left corner for Kettering to take the lead in the first 5 mins. Kettering continued to pressure Pelicans with attacks coming from both wings. We created some good chances with Issy Higgs and Lucy Tanser working in tandem on the left with great skill and speed to put crosses in but sadly they slipped the wrong side of the goal post. Yet Pelicans also had some chances but were denied by tenacious defending from Gracie Gault, Michelle Tanser, Eleanor Izzard and Connie Shingles. Unfortunately, Pelicans were awarded a short corner for an apparent foot in the D. Sophie Tomlinson committed to the right where she would of made a clean save but unluckily the ball took a deflection off Michelle Tanser’s stick to ping the ball left for Pelicans to tap in. Credits to Connie Shingles for her commitment to dive at the post in an attempt to stop the goal yet her efforts weren’t enough to stop Pelicans levelling the score sheet before half time. Kettering were extremely happy with the level of hockey which was being displayed so the half time chat consisted of continuing this high standard to the final whistle. Again, Kettering crafted excellent chances with Cath Irvin and Eva Carson driving up the right and Ilana Jacobs working tirelessly in the middle to pin pelicans in their own half. From a 16, Michelle smashed the ball up the right which Ellie Darnell got between the half way line and the 25. She speedily drove into the D and then with flair flicked the ball into the back of the net for a wonder goal which was celebrated enthusiastically by all of Kettering. Yet this lead was short lived as Pelicans were awarded 2 short corners. The first was expertly defend with Sophie Tomlinson making a great save and clearing the ball. The second meant Kettering’s lead was short lived as Pelicans were able to score. Kettering continued to make strong attacks with Rose Starsmore-Young and Georgia Brophy attempting to get off shots but Pelicans packed the D determined to not lose. Overall, Kettering knew they had played one of their best games and could be pleased with the fact they had worked tireless with high skill and communication. Man of the match went to Gracie Gault for her speed, great skills and solid defending.
Written by Isla Harvey.