Kettering 5-4 Bath Futsal Jan 2015

Kettering Futsal 5-4 Bath Futsal
National League Div 2
04/01/15

Bath went down to a late goal in their first national league match of 2015 to a strong Kettering side. Coming back from 4-0 was a great achievement for Bath, who were missing 8 regular players from their squad, but Kettering just managed to find that cutting edge late on to win.

After a long mini bus journey up Bath managed to get off to the worse possible start after ten minutes. “We where slow starting in the first 5-10 mins, conceding 4 goals early on” recalls first team manager Billy Whittaker. Kettering worked the ball well going forward and created spaces with runners at the back post for their goals; leaving keeper Doug Shanks with very little chance.

A time out was called early and Bath started to press higher up the field with more shape about their play. “We started to control the game and had to be patient and work off one goal at a time” says Whittaker. Bath then started narrowing the lead with goals from James Bourton, Michael Wootten and Aaron Hooper.  “Going into half time at 4-3 took a huge amount of effort and the new players were growing into the game.” Whittaker gave first team debuts to Sam Sibley and Pedro Ferreira who both fitted in well with the rest of the squad.

Kettering away 2
Doug Shanks and captain Howard James Dennis about to launch another attack

Bath were now firmly on the front foot with Kettering still counter attacking at speed, using their subs wisely to keep energy levels up. However it was Bath who struck again with a great attacking move finished off well by Ferreira. “Second half we started off well, and had a good period of possession and creating good chances. Pedro took his goal really well, and looks a promising player” said Whittaker who can take plenty of positives from the game.

The memorable come back wasn’t enough as the more Bath pushed for a winner the more dangerous Kettering were becoming going forward. Kettering took the lead with a well taken goal on the counter with Bath starting to tire after a long journey and a small squad.

Whittaker was pleased with the overall performance though and is already looking to the next game which is Sunday 11th against York at home in the FA Cup. “In the last 5 minutes we had 3 chances to go 5-4 up and with Hefferman, Jewanthi, Cobby and Mesquita available next week the squad looks promising.”

Squad: Doug Shanks (GK), Howard James Dennis (c), Michael Wootten, Aaron Hooper, James Bourton, Pedro Ferreira, Fabio Ramos, Sam Sibley

Somerset FA’s Futsal league starts up again on the 20th January. The cost is £25 per week for a 40 minute game every Tuesday at Hayesfield Upper School. Message. Email – Michael.wootten@somersetfa.com if you’re interested in entering.

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