Horrid conditions with heavy rain at times and also high winds, however both teams got on with it and for 15 minutes it was a close encounter.
On 15 minutes a Moulton move down their right saw Sarah, Georgia and Steph involved with Shannon, the ball was played into the centre and Shannon hit it first time hard into the net for 1-0 Moulton. On 20 minutes more Moulton pressure saw Kim involved but her shot went straight to Kettering's keeper. Then Steph and Shannon did some good interplay before laying the ball back to Sarah who shot over the bar. 5 minutes later, Kettering came more into the game and Tilley squared to number 29 who shot just past the post although Harriet in goal had it covered. After half an hour Amy V, in fetching ear warmers, replaced Antonella. A Kettering player appeared to hurt het toe on the halfway line and the referee paused as if he was going to stop play, but he didnt. The Kettering keeper had the ball and did a poor short pass that was pounced on by Steph. She turnrd the defenders one way, then the other and back again before burying her shot into the corner for 2-0 Moulton.
Just befoe half time the ball broke and Georgia outpaced the defence again. She advanced on goal and as the keeper came out she slid the shot past her but also just past the post. Very unlucky. Immediately after this more Moulton pressure saw Sarah play the ball over the top for Shannon who advanced on the goal and as the ball dropped she it first time on the volley for 3-0 Moulton at half time.
Tactical changes at half time saw Georgia up top alongside Steph. It too barely 2 minutes before Georgia made a run and picked out Steph who calmly scored to make it 4-0 Moulton. Then on 51 minutes Tilley for Kettering made a surging run past 4 or 5 Moulton players, as she was about to pull the trigger, as if from nowhere Cat slid in and cleared the ball from danger getting injured in the process but definitely saved a certain goal. On the hour another Moulton attack saw Beth play a delightful through ball to Steph who shot but miskicked the ball which deceived Kettering's keeper and made it 5-0 Moulton. On 65 minutes Georgie put over a super cross which Steph got her head to but the ball narrowly missed the post. On 75 minutes a Kettering player was fouled just outside the box, Moulton's plan worked and the freekick was blocked, however it fell to Kettering's number 16, Polly Manly, who hit the ball high into the far corner for a very good strike, She looked a very good player and it was a surprise that she started on the bench. 5-1 Moulton. With 5 minutes to go Moulton had used all the subs and play was a bit disjointed. Reedy had been brought on (Moulton's sub keeper) and told to play up top. Almost on 90 minutes Reedy challenged Kettering's defenders for the ball, she bounced off one, two, three defenders and found herself with just the keeper to beat. She calmly pulled back her foot and smashed the ball past the keeper to make the final score 6-1 Moulton. The celebrations by all the Moulton players showed what team spirit and camaraderie exists amongst the squad. Reedy had sat on the bench for 80+ minutes but when called upon came on and delivered. Earning herself and Beth with joint players' of the match. Harsh on Steph who scored a hat trick for the second week in a row without being awarded POM. We all know how good Steph has been for us this season.
Excellent performances from all the Moulton players this week. Harriet solid in goal and her handling was sound, Calista stood in again on the left side at the back and was again very solid, taking no prisoners. Cat and Jade were pillars of strength at the back and Jade's pace and strength are setting the foundations for good team performances.
In midfield, Beth has been in great form these last 2 weeks and we now need commitment for the rest of the season from all players. Kim is the central lynchpin and she works tirelessly. Sarah has improved all season with more and more game time, Antonella is almost back to full match fitness and her simple style of win it and pass it short and simple is coming back. Georgia's pace scares most defences and with just a little more conviction and belief she will score lots of goals for the team. Up top Shannon and Steph compement each other with Shannon's strength and Steph's guile and 5 goals between then says it all. Amy V made a welcome return and with regular play her fitness levels will return and we know how good she can be. Keisha came on and worked hard on the left hand side and Georgie did the same on the right, putting over some very good crosses. All in all a very good team performace all round, well done.