Kettering Town 0-1 Gloucester City

Kettering Town 0-1 Gloucester City

National League North

Tuesday 6th December 2022

Every so often in football there are games where the final score is completely at odds with what actually happens during the course of the game itself.

This was one of those occasions!

Kettering were much the better team throughout this National League North clash against Gloucester City, only to come unstuck right at the end as Michael Gyasi stabbed home an injury-time winner to steal all three points for the visitors who, prior to that, had been time-wasting and seemed content to settle for a point.

It was ridiculously harsh on the Poppies because they forced the issue throughout and deserved so much more.

They pressed extremely well. They had more territory. They created several openings. They showed a desire to make something happen. They had youthful energy in midfield in Ethan Hill (the deserved winner of the ‘Man Of The Match’ award) and Frankie Maguire who came on as an early substitute, rolled his sleeves up and made a really good first-impression in what was the first game in his loan spell - and that was complimented by Gary Stohrer (No.8) who, despite lacking half a yard of pace, made up for it with a number of ball-winning contributions where his experience, aggressiveness, steel and work-rate stood out.

Everything was there in the performance. All that was missing was just simply a goal - and how the Poppies ended up losing is both a travesty and complete robbery. They did not deserve to get beat.

From the very early stages, Kettering did their utmost to set the tone, get high up the pitch, press and take the game to their opponents and the first chance of a dominant first half came on 10 minutes when Keaton Ward curled a 20-yard free-kick into the hands of Gloucester ‘keeper Brandon Hall.

Soon afterwards, Ethan Hill made the first in a number of eye-catching contributions when he nipped in to win possession on the halfway line and send a pass through to Ward who kept the ball tightly under control - not an easy thing to do on an awful pitch, before beating a few players as he cut inside and unleashed a low drive which was also saved by the ‘keeper.

Sam Bennett was another to make a good early impression; pressing high and pressing well in a few instances but his evening came to a premature end when he pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury. Having initially tried to continue, he pulled up again just 30 seconds later and that was his night done.

It meant Frankie Maguire - on loan from Sheffield United for the next month, was brought on to make his debut probably much sooner than he expected and he slotted straight into the midfield with Ward being pushed further forward.

Maguire got ‘stuck in’ straight away as Kettering continued to force the issue and get forward - whether it be via direct methods or driving through the midfield as happened in a few instances.

Rhys Sharpe’s long-throw also posed a big threat for Gloucester and when the second ball from one such throw dropped to Hill on the edge of the area, his shot may have hit a hand on its way goalwards. There were some shouts for a penalty albeit referee Liam Corbett and waved them away. 

The official was at the centre of more Kettering frustrations in first half injury-time when Ward was sent clear following a ball down the line, only for a Gloucester defender to have his hands all over him as he got into the box. Ward did get a shot away, but appeals for more fell on deaf ears, thus leading to a bit of unhappiness as the teams trudged off for the interval.

The second half proved to be scrappier at times, especially in midfield where the aggressive traits of Hill, Maguire and Stohrer stood out once again, but the ball was also up in the air more often. Still, Kettering remained the stronger of the two teams; showing purpose and definitely being the side with the grit between their teeth who looked as if they really wanted to win whereas Gloucester definitely wanted to run the clock down.

After Ellis Myles fired narrowly wide in one move after a good one-two with Ward, the Poppies again thought they ought to be awarded a penalty when Ward whipped a free-kick into the box and Hall rushed from his line and clattered into George Cooper (who’d got to it first). It looked obvious but, once more, the referee opted to take a ‘lenient’ approach so nothing was given which led to plenty of criticism from the locals who felt incensed by his decision.

Ward was then miraculously denied by the Gloucester ‘keeper in a one-on-one on the hour mark after Tyrone Lewthwaite wrestled past his marker to put him in the clear for a golden chance which was somehow tipped wide the goal gaping, and then in a similar attack two minutes later, Lewthwaite was fouled having burst past his man again, though the resulting free-kick came to nothing.

Not long after that, Hill also let fly with a shot which cleared the upright.

How it was still 0-0 by this point was a mystery!

As temperatures dropped (and it didn’t half get cold during the second half), it seemed as though it was going to be one of those nights but then, in the 91st minute, the Tigers stole the points as Michael Gyasi got on the end of a ball into the box up at the other end and managed to stab his shot past Cameron Gregory.

At least Dick Turpin wore a f**king mask!

Despite the scoreline, the three players I specifically came to this game to watch all had very good games - and it made the two-hour journey and freezing temperatures feel worthwhile.

Ever since I saw Ethan Hill dominate a game at U18s level against Doncaster Rovers a couple of years ago, I’ve known that he’s a good player; hence why I’ve kept an eye on his progress ever since, why I know all about his career to date, and why I constantly asked loads of questions about him to people I know at Mansfield last year. 

To see him carry those same traits which impressed me at youth level into a first team game - especially at this standard, and impose himself really well over the course of the 90 minutes, was fantastic to watch. 

On such a crap pitch, he had a great aura about him. He nipped in to win the ball on several occasions - none better than the one which put Keaton Ward through for the chance early on. He got on the ball and drove forward a few times. He had a few shots (one in either half). His flight, movement and reading of the game was of a high quality. He was calm and confident in possession. The fact he won the ‘Man Of The Match’ award (and deservedly so too) was testament to all his work. Good midfielders are worth their weight in gold; he’s got that bit of class about him (plus he’s a good lad with good banter which helps) and it says everything that he’s been entrusted by Lee Glover to play every week at this level with about 15 starts already to his name this year.

What he produced in this game just backed up why I’ve remembered him, why I rate him, why I’ve followed his career for a while now, and why he’s someone I’ve enjoyed watching whenever I’ve seen him play.

Likewise, the same can be said of Frankie Maguire.

About a month ago, in a game against Barnsley for Sheffield United U21s I watched Frankie put in a good shift - and I’ll always be able to vividly remember the specific moment in that game which made him stand out, and straight away when he came on in this game, he looked hungry to make a good impression.

Because of the pitch and the frenetic 200mph nature where the intensity and adrenaline levels are miles higher than what you get in U21s football, he was required to roll his sleeves up, dig in, 'be ready' and show a different and more tenacious side to his game compared to what I’ve seen before.

And he didn’t disappoint me whatsoever!

From minute one after his introduction, he looked sharp. He looked focussed. He was ‘on it’. He made himself available as an option for others by getting into good positions to receive the ball. He was constantly aware of what was happening around him; especially out of possession. He brought others into the game. He showed drive and desire to bring the ball forward at times - including two positive runs in the first half (the first of which was very good as he had to stretch to win it on the halfway line and beat his man at the same time). That was good play and good technique; and just one little example of what he can do. He also got into good positions in high areas but then recovered some excellent defensive ground to get his body behind the ball when he had to. He was always trying to make a good impact and use his intelligence well.

But better than everything else was that there was a nice and aggressive undertone with how he went about his business which is absolutely paramount to surviving in mens football.

Everything I wanted to see Frankie do, especially on a pitch like this, he did it - and it was a really positive start for him in this loan spell. It’s his opportunity to impress, play infront of decent crowds where there’s pressure to get points. This is the reality of football and it seems like he really wants to grasp the opportunity with both hands. Fantastic.

Finally, knowing Keaton Ward and having followed his career through all the highs and lows, I couldn’t fault his effort and commitment throughout this game either. He made good runs in-behind and found space (such as one just before half-time where he was flagged offside). He was quick, bright and energetic and covered plenty of ground. He showed decent ball control on a terrible pitch (evidence being the first half chance where he cut inside off the left). His set-pieces were mostly decent too. 

The only thing that was missing from an otherwise bright, lively and positive display was a goal. 

He’ll be frustrated as hell not to have bagged one - especially considering the two or three really good chances he had, but so long as he keeps getting in the same positions to get those chances in the first place, then the goals will come. It’s inevitable and I’ll always have confidence in him because he’s only going to get better with age and experience.

All three of these lads are at different points in their careers but what they’ve all got in common is they’re all decent lads with good attitudes and a point to prove. They’ve been through the mill at times and had to overcome some difficult periods, they haven’t got silly egos (which can be common in young players) and they’re all eager to prove a point and do well.

That’s why I’ve got all the time in the world for them and if they perform like this over a consistent period and carry the same determination, drive and desire to succeed, I’ve got no doubts they’ll succeed. 

Watching their infectious enthusiasm in his game for 90 minutes has really put a smile back on my face after a tough couple of weeks and I’m glad I got to see this game - even despite the frustrating result.