Fresh (or maybe not!) from their earlier victory at Ely, the squad re-grouped at Long Road reinforced by the younger, fresher legs of our teenagers, Creed and West, plus debutant forward Bass.

From the pushback South pressed forward, immediately putting the Kettering defence under pressure. What initially looked like a nicely weighted cross from Creed Junior fooled everyone, including the Kettering goalkeeper, and ended up in the back of the net.

The opposition immediately went on the counterattack and the defensive quartet of Ali, Larkinson, Steed and Pashley were unable to contain them, resulting in an early equaliser.

Goalkeeper Thomas was called upon to make some spectacular saves, including one with his chest which was deflected over the crossbar. Despite some great defensive work, supported by midfielders Marshman and Creed Senior, the opposition were able to grab another goal before halftime.

South came out fighting after the break, with an early short corner leading to a perfectly executed Shahbaz Ali drag-flick ripping into the top corner of the Kettering goal. Once again the opposition fought back hard against a tiring home team, securing a third goal. The ever-determined South team dug deep and came back with an equaliser, coming from Shahbaz Ali.

With minutes remaining and everything still to play for, the opposition fired a ball towards the South D which was deflected by the skipper's foot towards the goal, allowing Kettering to take the lead. Despite token protestations from Steed Senior, umpire Steed Junior rightly awarded the goal!

Pizzas were a very welcome end to an enjoyable day's hockey!