Before we get in to the nitty-gritty of the events of the game, I feel it is important to highlight just how well Kettering Ladies XI played today. Whilst the narrative related to the score line is becoming increasing familiar, with number upon number of opportunities but never quite finding the back of the net, the difference today was the way the team have started to play; confidence, movement and quality on and off the ball. As Rob said at the end of the game, by the law of averages the goals are soon going to start finding their way in and soon enough one of the teams we play in the near future is going to be punished.
Now, onto the game itself...
Kettering started on the front foot getting the ball up in to their attacking half and pinning it in there. Laura Beacon showing deft skill to beat players and drive the ball in to the circle, Georgie Jones closing the ball down quickly when with the opposition, and Cath Irvin showing composure on the ball to move it up the lines. A big hit from the back of the Towcester defence lofted past the Kettering midfield giving them their first opportunity to test Nik Baker in goal, instead winning a penalty corner. The strike from the top was mis-hit and bobbled to the player coming in at the right post, who found herself with a slot to play the ball in, giving Towcester an unfortunate lead, completely against the grain of play. As the half continued, Kettering did not cease pressure and were unlucky to not score a number of times before the half time whistle. Gracie Gault was close to adding her name to the score sheet but her lifted shot just whispered past the right post, and Sophie Reynolds came close as her reverse shot brushed the outside of the right post too. As the first half drew to a close Kettering knew that they were unlucky to be behind, having had the lion's share of possession, making positive runs off the ball and working hard to support each other across the pitch.
Showing a good level of confidence, Kettering pushed again in the second half and were soon rewarded with a penalty corner, that did unfortunately see one of the opposition receive a green card for a harsh stick tackle. As the ball came out, Player of the match Charlie James took the strike which rebounded out to Irvin, whose shot was then stopped on the line by a Towcester foot, resulting in a penalty flick. Both Harriet Goswell and James stepped up with James taking it and calmly and skilfully lifting it into the net to give Kettering their deserved goal.
This was the lift Kettering needed, but it also gave Towcester the motivation to push higher, with the game being end to end for the next 15 minutes. Kettering started to look for the longer ball, as did Towcester and it became a test for the defence with Emma Findlay and Michelle Tanser keeping the attack at bay. Emma Storey put in another tenacious performance today being quick-thinking and aggressive in possession, as well as Ellie Mulligan and Gault supporting the defence well. However, Towcester won their second penalty corner of the game and this time found their runner on the left post to give them the lead. The game started to become even more stretched as Kettering were looking for the comeback goal and Towcester were looking to extend their lead. It was the latter that occurred as the ball came loose in the Kettering circle, and Baker's missed kick, allowed the forward to pounce on the ball and flick it around to score just before the final whistle.
Anyone watching the game today would agree that Kettering were the better team on performance but unfortunately this doesn't give us points. Kettering need to dust themselves off again, be assured that the goals WILL come and we still have a lot of the season left.