Report: 1st XI Men vs Kettering – February 17, 2024
Spalding Men’s 1’s vs Kettering
After an aggressive performance from both teams, spalding were able to claw their way to victory away at Kettering.
Spalding started on the front foot with some great link up passing between the midfield and the strikers. This lead to an early goal from Dan Azzopardi with a clean sweep at the back post. However, Kettering quickly answered with a goal of their own pouncing on the brief complacency of the spalding players.
Recognising the intensity of the Kettering team, spalding players began to step up their game with the likes of Oli Baker and David Dorey making long leads down their respective wings to drag out Kettering defenders. This allowed the midfield to drive into the D where Jacob Baker was able to claim Spalding’s well earned second goal.
After an impressive and flawless sliding tackle from Sam Howitt, with arguably oblique intent, turned into a pushing contest the umpires finally decided to get the captains together to discuss their tolerance and discipline policy. Rattled after the heated exchange, spalding conceded a penalty corner and a goal bringing the score to 2-2.
Second half begun and spalding conceded almost immediately after failing to get up to the speed of Kettering. Now trailing 3-2 spalding had to fight back with a goal of their own to stay above the surface in this match. This goal was graciously provided by Stu Cunnington through a penalty corner drag flick.
Kettering begun pressing deeper into spalding’s half and after receiving multiple cards spalding seemed sure to concede. However after a great defensive effort spalding survived their disadvantage and begun a counter attack displaying picture perfect passing between Jacob Baker, Oli Baker and Steve Rogers which resulted in rogers scoring the deciding goal of the match.
After incredible team and individual efforts spalding managed to dig themselves out of multiple ruts to win the physical match against Kettering 4-3.
MOTM – Stu Cunnington
DOTD – Harry Blackman