Kettering Generals 1 v Thrapston Town
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Following the mid season break!! (6 weeks to be precise). Thrapston restarted their season with a fine win over second place Kettering Generals.
Thrapston started well and Matthew Smith and Luke Stevens combined well down Kettering’s left side, unfortunately though we could not provide a finish. However, Thrapston continued to exploit this weakness in the Kettering defense and Man of the Match Matthew Smith soon put Thrapston ahead when he cut in to the box, and shot, the keeper was unable hold onto the ball which continued into the net. Generals battled back and pulled one back when Thrapston failed to clear from a corner. The game then opened up and flowed from end to end, Generals were awarded a penalty for handball and all the Thrapston players and supporters breathed a sigh of relief as they saw the ball fly wide past the post, seconds before the halftime whistle blew Matthew Smith scored his second from well delivered free kick by Matthew Watkin.
The second half saw a number of changes to the Thrapston personel a) to ensure everybody on a cold day played and b) to ensure defensive strength for the onslaught predicted from the home team in the second half.
Thrapstons defence remained solid throughout (although luck was on their side at times) and as a unit defended well, however it was worrying that we were unable to break the cycle of relentless attack from the Generals – something we will need to practice, however the back line and the work rate of all those involved managed to contain the pressure and secure a hard worked and well deserved win. Well Done boys.
Today saw a TEAM performance that delivered under extreme pressure from good opposition, to often this season players have failed to play to their full potential and for the team and the expression that has been mentioned recently at training “There is no I in Teamwork” was proved 100% correct today. – the return match in a few weeks should be interesting.
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