6.12.09
Charnwood Mountsorrel 2 (2) v Kettering 1 (0)
Charnwood Mountsorrel progressed to the next round of the Plate with a comfortable win over local opposition.
The home side started very brightly, creating several good chances in the opening minutes which the Kettering ‘keeper did very well to repel. With the midfield in control and the defence generally untroubled, it was only a matter of time before Charnwood beached the visitor’s rearguard. Striker Steve Fairbrother was on the mark to convert from close range following a lovely interchange of passes down the right and an insightful pass from Mark Weaver to present Fairbrother with the opener. There followed a string of fine saves from the impressive Kettering ‘keeper to deny Charnwood further goals, however he was powerless to stop the second before half-time when Weaver was on hand to convert expertly after more good play down the right. Despite a flurry of late penalty corners, the home side could not extend their advantage at the break.
The second period began in similar fashion to the first, with Charnwood dominating possession and creating chances but unable to finish against a resolute defence, as both strikers lost their radar. The visitors began to break the stranglehold as the half progressed and, after a couple of penalty corners of their own, succeeded in scoring low to Mick Barlow’s right. Kettering were more adventurous now and only some great last-ditch defending by Ross Merrick, Dave Allen and Ravi Matharu prevented an equaliser. The game ebbed and flowed in the last ten minutes and Charnwood had several chances to put the game away, but were thwarted by the excellent Kettering ‘keeper.
Overall, Charnwood deserved to win this tie, but will need to improve in front of goal in the next round.
Squad:
Mick Barlow (GK), Dave Allen, Ed Allen, Paul Carter, Steve Fairbrother, Tony Kirk, Ravi Matharu, Tony McKee,
Ross Merrick, Paddy Oakman, Guy Rollins, Kevin Stanton-King, Mark Taylor, Chris Waterfield (c), Mark Weaver.