This game can be summed up as a solid and battling performance from both sides with few attacking opportunities on a sticky and heavy pitch.
The early stages saw Kettering pile on the pressure pinning us into our own half with the wind behind them, making it very difficult for Thrapston to clear their defensive area . Thrapston defended solidly with Aiden in Goal and John and Mat both making and taking eye watering tackles that would have made Roy Keane wince. It was clear that this wasn't going to be an easy match and all credit to Kettering for sustaining the pressure and preventing us from creating many of our own chances. Thrapston continued to soak up the pressure with a solid Defensive and midfield performance. Fergus and Adam were working tirelessly to win more possession in mid-field and to create opportunities for Tom to run on to. Tom himself was battling hard having to drop into more of a mid field position, and the ball only broke once or twice to give Tom a shot on goal which was kept out by the General's keeper. Going into half time Thrapston were looking the slightly stronger team with the potential to score and with the wind behind them in the second half this game was there for their taking.
Half Time 0-0
With Jake on for Adam and Dominic on for John the second half started with Thrapston dominating possession in Kettering's half. A couple of long kicks from Aiden and searching passes from mid field saw Fergus finding Tom whose shots on goal were kept out by the Kettering Keeper. Kettering continued to defend hard and clear their lines pressurising the Thrapston Defence with Mat working hard with some great timed tackles and clearances. Fergus and Jake continuously ran back to support their defence as Kettering began to put the pressure on and win corners. Tom came back to defend and ensure that the General's corners came to nothing. In the dying minutes the General's had an attack that saw their striker break through and have a shot on goal, Aiden came off his line to push the ball wide with a fantastic save.
Well done to all the lads for a solid performance, where the goal scoring opportunities just escaped us this week
MOM
Goes to Fergus for a tireless and solid performance across the whole pitch, well done!
