“This lot will be good,” announced captain Sandy, “they are top of the table, have just come down from the league above and will be keen to get back up there.” “BUT… ”he continued, “look at what we did to the other side who came down two weeks ago – let’s do the same again!”
 
Suitably fired up we began, but it didn’t take long to realise the captain’s words were spot on – Kettering 3s were good and soon began to dominate. BUT wave after wave of attacks were dealt with by the South defence, with particular credit due to the bulwark who was Dan Talmage in goal, so earning him man of the match and captain Sandy putting himself on the line with a particularly nasty strike to his thumb. South weren’t without their attacks either, some threatening and some amusing. Particular highlights were Craig’s “what’s wrong with that” as he virtually decapitated a player and Jordan butt-butting the fence such was his determination, but all was to no avail as the final third play failed to open any serious scoring chances against the strong Kettering defence.
 
And so, it continued for 28 minutes, with South resisting firmly until the Kettering pressure finally led to their first short corner. A slick routine followed, and Dan was finally beaten at the second attempt.
 
Half time 0-1.
 
Step forward coach Nev for some inspiring words to lift us….after all we had played pretty well hadn’t we? - only they weren’t inspiring words of praise – he was clearly not impressed (and so rightly earned himself lemon of the match). It’s tough being a coach.
 
But uninspired as we had been, South now came out with vigour, and it was the home team that began to dominate with some neat link up play in the midfield and attack with several visits to the Kettering D. A short corner followed with a great strike by Nev needing a good save. Several other chances came and went with Rob, Craig and Keishi all having half chances. Somehow Kettering held on.  
 
Now into the 65th minute and needing something from the game, South pushed forward for the equaliser with defenders up the field, but it wasn’t to be our day, for Kettering, skilful on the break caught us twice to close the game 0-3. “Well played - that score flattered us” was a comment I received from a sporting Kettering player as we shock hands before pizza and a pint.