BackSat 12 Mar 2022 · Men's Division 3 North West
Men's 2nd XIKettering 2
J Purllant (45'), C Howitt (60')
2
4
The Dragons battled over a strong Kettering side
Kirsty Martin
A two goal come back wasn't enough!
The March afternoon allowed a little late sunshine and welcome warmth to a lively men's 2nd team game at AMVC against Kettering.
Division 3NW is full of strong squads and once again early exchanges were well contested. The Dragons defence were kept busy Roddy Mountain was dependable and resolute in controlling the defence and Ethan Foster, giving away around 4 stone to his opponent did his best not to be brushed aside. In the shield RIchard Barden and Callum Howitt worked well in tandem - Howitt carry attacking threat with Barden recovering possession and distributing with calm control. Width was offered by Euan Johnson and Pete Moisey and the attack of Matt Clarkson Mark Cox and Edward Moisey.
The Dragons really should have made more of their early opportunities and were made to pay following breakdown as the trademark Kettering assault commenced and bypassed any midfield sticks.
One goal down but continuing to play positive attacking hockey, chances came and went begging and it seemed only a matter of time before the boisterous Kettering forward line carved out goalscoring opportunities and after 2 more conceded, the 3.0 half time score line was a little harsh on the Dragons who knew they had to protect the ball battering if they were to get a foothold.
After the half time break Bourne Deeping did turn the tide and were able to press Kettering and Howitt was an increasingly painful thorn in Kettering's side; as he attacked from the left side, his flicked shot was clinically despatched by Jason Purllant for his first of the season and the mood at Glinton changed for the positive. Swift passes found intended sticks Johnson found himself in space and Howitt evaded Kettering sticks and he too opened his account for the year with a reverse stick shot.
The comeback became a possibility and the Dragons sensed a previously unlikely point. Kettering were determined in their defence and as their desperate challenges managed to keep the home side out and as they pushed and probed, the Dragons were caught on the break and it was the visitors who had the last word, last goal and ultimately all 3 points.
Division 3NW is full of strong squads and once again early exchanges were well contested. The Dragons defence were kept busy Roddy Mountain was dependable and resolute in controlling the defence and Ethan Foster, giving away around 4 stone to his opponent did his best not to be brushed aside. In the shield RIchard Barden and Callum Howitt worked well in tandem - Howitt carry attacking threat with Barden recovering possession and distributing with calm control. Width was offered by Euan Johnson and Pete Moisey and the attack of Matt Clarkson Mark Cox and Edward Moisey.
The Dragons really should have made more of their early opportunities and were made to pay following breakdown as the trademark Kettering assault commenced and bypassed any midfield sticks.
One goal down but continuing to play positive attacking hockey, chances came and went begging and it seemed only a matter of time before the boisterous Kettering forward line carved out goalscoring opportunities and after 2 more conceded, the 3.0 half time score line was a little harsh on the Dragons who knew they had to protect the ball battering if they were to get a foothold.
After the half time break Bourne Deeping did turn the tide and were able to press Kettering and Howitt was an increasingly painful thorn in Kettering's side; as he attacked from the left side, his flicked shot was clinically despatched by Jason Purllant for his first of the season and the mood at Glinton changed for the positive. Swift passes found intended sticks Johnson found himself in space and Howitt evaded Kettering sticks and he too opened his account for the year with a reverse stick shot.
The comeback became a possibility and the Dragons sensed a previously unlikely point. Kettering were determined in their defence and as their desperate challenges managed to keep the home side out and as they pushed and probed, the Dragons were caught on the break and it was the visitors who had the last word, last goal and ultimately all 3 points.
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