A cold, rainy and blustery Saturday..... must be hockey season, and today marked the start of Kettering Ladies XI league campaign. Under the direction of new captain, Bethany Winfield, the ladies were determined to take a result from this game and prove that they didn't deserve to be relegated last season. Before we get into the match report, we just want to wish Amy March a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the hockey pitch sooner rather than later!

So on to the nitty gritty (or what I can remember of it)!

Without sounding one-sided, Kettering were the better team on the field today. The tagline that it should have been all 3 points rather than just the 1 is not an exaggeration. The game started with good tempo and going forwards Kettering looked dangerous every time. A number of near misses presented themselves, and if not for the goalkeeping expertise of the away keeper, plus a little bit of poor luck, Kettering would have found themselves at least 3 up by half time. Belper's tactic of crowding the circle worked well for them and in many instances it was difficult to get a clear cut shot on the goal. We did however win a few penalty corners. The first of these saw the goal keeper save and push out to her left, Cath Irvin was quickest to respond with a great strike at goal that pinged off the near post. We seem to hit posts and crossbars a lot in our games! The second opportunity came as Toni Hustwait picked up the ball on the right and drove the baseline to slip to ball to Sophie Richardson on the penalty spot, only to have the goalkeeper once again make a fantastic reaction save. And despite some wonderful passing and linking play between the midfield, the final pass fell to Charlie James who managed to get a shot away under pressure only to again be denied by the keeper.

Despite having all the pressure, Kettering were slow to respond to a few counter attacks where the ball was moved quickly into attack by the opposition and, if not for a few pivotal saves by Daisy Crossman in goal, Kettering might have found themselves undeservedly behind. Unfortunately however, Daisy couldn't react quick enough as one of our team slotted the ball past her. On a penalty corner, Ellie Mulligan positioned herself well to block the shot from the side but the deflection from her stick took the ball into the goal giving the oppositions a 1-0 lead at half time.

Kettering did not want to lose this game, especially as we had a nice (socially distanced) crowd gathered to support us, so again the tempo at the start of the second half was ramped up. The pressure on the away side was building as they started to look unsure of themselves at the back. Kettering then won another penalty corner. Now anyone would think that the penalty corner routine executed here was a well-rehearsed, practiced routine but alas, no. The pieces just seemed to fall into place. A precise and fast injection by Toni, an quick and firm stick stop by Sophie Reynolds, an accurate and slick pass by Charlie to Harriet Goswell, who showed great composure to then find a Charlie again at the penalty spot, and this time there was no stopping her. A lifted ball straight into the net for a very aesthetically pleasing and deserved goal!!

Kettering were desperate for the win and as tired legs started to creep in, the youngsters stepped up. Gracie Gault from the back showing composure and strength to brush off the opposition attack, Sophie Richardson once again displaying great energy down the left, Imogen Smith intercepting everything and anything in the centre of the pitch and Georgie Jones using her pace down the right to get up and down the pitch. It is no surprise that these girls dominated the player of the match voting after the game.

As the last few minutes drew near, Kettering were having to defend quite deep but with tired legs on both sides, and therefore an increase in the number of fouls and free hits, the tempo slowed and Kettering held on for the point.

All in all this was a good performance by the team. Observers (and previous 1st team legends), Kate Metcalfe and Julia Telford, both commented on how well the team played, particularly when attacking and moving the ball forwards. Telf stating that "this is best I've seen you play for a while", but the main area to work on now is 100%, team match fitness. We need to be able to keep those legs working for the duration of the game as its when we are at high tempo and moving the ball quickly that we are at our most dangerous, as shown today.

It was just awesome to be able to start the league today, but we would like to remind everyone that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and want to continue to be able to do the hobby and sport we love. Please make sure all guidance that Sophie Reynolds in sending out is read and adhered to - we don't want to have to cut another season short!