M5 vs Kettering 3

A trip down the A14 brought the 5s to Kettering. Knowing goal difference is the name of the game to keep ahead of the 6s at the top of the league.

The first 5 minutes of the game suggested the game would be a tough fight. Alfie Piper in goal produced the first of many fine saves of the game very early on to keep the scores level before the first meaningful City attack lead to Doug Williamson scoring against the run of play. Once the first goal went in Cambridge settled in and started to take control of the game. Soon after the first goal, Niall Graham added to his impressive season tally with another smart finish making it 2-0.

Kettering still posed a threat when their forward made a driving run into the D, and it took a somewhat professional foul by Maxim to bring him down. Earned himself a yellow card and a penalty stroke for Kettering. Turned out to be a good move when Alfie Piper saved the stroke and the score remained at 2-0. 5 minutes later Kettering returned the favor when their defender stick-tackled Tom Goldsmith just as he was about to put the ball into an empty goal. Captain's privilege meant Doug was the one to slot the penalty stroke in.

Max got back onto the pitch just in time to be on top of the D for the first short corner and his bullet drag flick flew straight at the Kettering keeper's face. I would imagine there were a few expletives going through his mind as he flinched and could only deflect the ball into his own net. The halftime whistle went with the score 4-0 to City.

The second half started off with a goal from Tom Goldsmith. Tom was a menace to the Kettering defence all game and was unfortunate not to get a second when a well-struck undercut was saved.

Next Max bagged his second drag-flick goal. Maybe not as impressive as the first, dribbling between the keeper's legs, but they all count Max! That's 4 for the season so far for our top goalscorer from left back. Place your bets now for how many draggies he scores this season.

In the final 15 minutes, as City tired and replacements became more frequent and confused, Kettering managed to get more of a hold of the game. More excellent goalkeeping from Alfie in the pads kept them at bay and it was unfortunate that he was denied a clean sheet as finally Kettering got their consolation goal. The game was wrapped up with goals from Sreeteja Jonnada and a third from Douglas Williamson. The final score was 8-1, just the kind of goal difference victory we need to secure our rightful place at the top of the table.

Man of the Match went to hat trick hero Doug but Alfie Piper in goal was only just pipped to it. Also Zeke Durrani deserves special mention for his control and distribution from CB all game.

DOD went to Maxim for his yellow card and avoiding a hat trick

After 3 away games on the bounce we look forward to being the Women's 1st team warm-up act on pitch one next week. Turn up to see some champagne hockey (the W1 aren't that bad either).