Editor's note:- subsequent to the game it turned out a higher Kettering team had forfeited their match. So the league fixture was awarded to South 5-0 and what took place on the pitch counts as a friendly instead.

Home game. Nearly Christmas. We can win this…right?

Kettering not thrown by the alternative pitch location and turned up early for good warm up. Damn. Strong start too by Kettering. They cleverly played the ball onto a foot in our D for a short x 2. 3 early goals by Kettering, making use of their young and pacey forward players. South kept our heads up and fought back strong. Cassie made another heroic save but unfortunately headbutted the post in the process. The GK helmet proved worth its weight in gold and more. Cassie bravely battled on until half time but was unable to continue further. Claire kindly abandoned her energetic midfield running game to don the pads and protect our net for the second half. She kept a clean sheet with one crucial clearance.

The second half was a much stronger game for South. We won it!  A lovely drive from Evie wide on the right. She could have chanced a shot but wisely chose to cross to Ceri on the left post who slammed it in to the backboard.

Other good stuff that happened:

Lots of brilliant interceptions and clearances by Vicky, Nic, Georgia and May. Brilliant backing up by defense but especially by May. Great surges forward by Nic and Harry to support the mids and forwards. Charlotte ran her socks off. Evie’s determination for a goal looked even stronger than it was last week. Unfortunately we were up against a much stronger opposition than last week but she kept working and pressing, never giving up. There was lots of great pressing and transferring by Elaine and Hattie. Louise and Harry hassled and chased for the ball in midfield.

Following the half time reset Bex dropped back to midfield to replace Claire, giving some excellent strength to our midfield play. Unfortunately an accidentally lifted ball into her knee forced an ice pack break but she was soon back into the action.

Do They Know It’s Christmas Time? The 6s do….such a good turnout at the social and time to party!!

Update: And just like that, Santa bought us 3 points! We were informed next morning by the league manager that one of Kettering’s higher teams conceded their match, which means all their games below were forfeited and South were awarded a 5-0 win. A real shame for Kettering L4s who had travelled a long way, played well and given us a friendly and good spirited match, but we’re very glad the game went ahead.