For the past few weeks we have commented on good performances despite not getting a win, and promised that at some point things were going to click for the Ladies 1st team, and today was that day!
A late start, in dismal cold and wet conditions, and not at their normal pitch, it would have been easy to find excuses or reasons for not playing to potential today, but from the first whistle Kettering showed quality and determination in their performance today from start to finish. Stone, who have been challenging opponents in the past were caught unawares as they had to defend deep in their own half for the first 10 minutes of the game. Harriet Goswell applying pressure and creating space up front, with Imogen Smith and Laura Beacon driving the team forward. The movement off the ball was just awesome today as it ensured that there were always options for a pass, making it easier for the back line to find those balls through. Stacy Hall and Beth Winfield were able to provide width and support from the left and right back positions, with Sophie Reynolds and Michelle Tanser controlling things from the back, both showing great composure on the ball when under pressure. Kettering came close a number of times as Beacon drove into the circle to see her shot agonisingly wide, and Georgie Jones came close but the goalkeeper came quick off her line to deny her. Kettering finally got the goal they deserved as pressure was maintained down the right side of the pitch, resulting in Stone having no option other than to play the ball off the side, so Kettering continued to creep up the pitch, taking the side line passes quickly so Stone couldn't set, and it was then that a quick thinking Emma Storey received the ball to drive along the baseline. The ball came across the goal for an unmarked Richardson to run onto and slam into the goal. A fantastic team goal and individual finish, and throughly deserved.
Kettering now needed to build on this and saw out the first half having invited a small amount of pressure on them. The defence stood fast though, and Kettering could be confident in their play so far.
The home side won the ball immediately back as Stone started the second half, with Goswell reading the movement of the centre forward and playing to ball to Charlie James, moving Kettering immediately in to attack. The momentum was with Kettering and it just seemed that everything was clicking for the team today. Passes were finding their mark, movement was beautiful to watch, and the side looked confident on the ball. A penalty corner was soon awarded for a foot in the circle which gave James her goal; a wonderfully struck hit right into the corner! Now that there was a bit of daylight, Kettering could have stepped off the gas, but no! The confidence was high and the need to keep moving to stay warm was essential, so on they went again. Imogen Smith continued to be a magnet for the oppositions attempted passes, intercepting the ball over and over, Beacon led from the front with Goswell, James and Jones working tirelessly around her, and Reynolds commanded the back with Tanser, Hall, Storey and Gracie Gault being strong and organised. Nik Baker in goal didn't have too much to do today, but when called in to action was on point. The midfield provided the press in the middle to cut off loose passes and provide the link between the defence and attack, with Cath Irvin, Richardson, and Smith dominating in those positions.
A final goal soon came for Reynolds as a quick free hit saw her drive the ball herself in to the circle and with no one running to close her down, took the strike to score in the bottom corner; put her in defence and she scores goals!
Stone were not able to find a response at all during this game and in the day the better team won. All the hard work and trying players in new positions finally came together and the side should feel confident going in to next weeks game against Repton.
Well done everyone - make sure you all celebrate tonight!!