Women’s First Team Vs Kettering Town Women

Sometimes it is hard playing against an opposing team, but it is even harder when as a club you play against yourself as well. Today was an example of that in many ways as numbers were again limited for the away match at Kettering Town. With only 10 available on friday night. We managed to convince one player to change important commitments and another to travel through the night from University and then take a long trip back this evening, in order to have a full team.

From Ketterings kick off there was never a moment where the management felt they were better than what we could produce but whether hallowen celebrations had an affect, it certainly produced a scarey performance. For once Arnold managed to not conceded within the first 20 minutes, and looked threatening counter attacking. However the game changed with a long pass over the top of the Arnold defence which was well finished by Ketterings number 10 to give them the lead. Amazingly this caused heads to drop and work rates to follow.

Arnold dont often go into half time only 1 goal behind but the players looked like we were 10 down. Self belief is all that this side is missing because the quality is certainly there. A chance to turn the game around soon materilised 5 minutes into the second half when captain Jen Lorimer was bundled over in the box, with the ref pointing straight to the penalty spot. It wasnt to be however as Jen brushed herself down but was unable to beat the keeper who made the save diving to her left.

This knocked the stuffing out of the visiting side and allowed the hosts to gain in confidence, have more time on the ball and start to become more dangerous in the final third. Elli leathen had to be replaced following a strong challenge which saw the Kettering player booked, and replaced by Ellis Marchant. The game was finally ended when a corner wasnt fully cleared and the ball tricked in at the front post to double the lead.

Chloe Jordan still had a great chance to half the deficit when she powered through the home defence only to see her effort well saved and then cleared off the line.

Overall disapointing that with a bit more desire, the result could have been different. Hard work is the key and no one will be allowed to give up or take the easy way out. We will lose as a team and very soon will win as a team. Player of the match was easlily Molly Parker for her constant running and never say die attitude. Special mentions to Chloe Jordon for her time today when she had important deadlines to reach and for Jess Adcock for traveling to and from High Wycombe University at short notice to help us out.