Nene Park Saturday, October 22nd, 2011   Conference Attendance: 1,402       Kettering Town 2-2 Ebbsfleet United
2011 /12

Comments :

Went to this game on my own on a saturday afternoon. Was in 2 minds about going but didn''t want to waste the day so decided to head over to the game. Wasn''t sure if Kettering were still playing at Rockingham Road or not so rang up before hand to confirm. They have infact now moved to Nene Park on a 25 year lease. Wrong in alot of ways that their near neighbours Rushden & Diamonds have folded and Kettering steal their stadium! Took me about 90 minutes to get there and parked up along a side street near to the ground. Got into conversation with a group of Ebbsfleet fans walking up to the ground who were moaning about traffic on the way up. I said I was just a neutral and had been to see Ebbsfleet the month before, they said I might as well go in with the Ebbsfleet lot so I did. First impression was what a great little stadium, compact but atmospheric, don''t know how much it holds but imagine a decent number. The ground was certainly better than alot of league grounds I have been to. Kettering have totally taken the place over with KTFC lettering in the stands and a big Kettering Town banner on the main stand. As far as Im concerned its Rushden and Diamonds stadium. The game itself was brilliant and opitimised why I love watching football at Conference level, passion, commitment without the Ego that you sometimes see at the higher level. Kettering took the lead early but the game then kicked into action when Ebbsfleet broke and when clean through on goal their striker was brought down for a clear penalty. The defender being the last man deservedly saw red. Ebbsfleet put away the penalty and from then ran the game until half time. The 2nd Ebbsfleet goal was simlar to the chance that brought about the penalty, only this time the striker buried it from 18 yards before he could be brought down. After half time Kettering scored early on against the run of play, it was a stunning goal, a volley accross the keeper from about 15 yards. At 2-2 it looked like Ebbsfleet were the only winner with their man advantage, however on the break the Kettering striker broke away only to be brought down in the box by the langushing defender in a incident that was identical to what happened in the 1st half. This time it was the Ebbsfleet defender who was sent off to even the numbers up. The resulting penalty however was smashed against the bar and hacked away to safety. There were chances for both sides in the final minutes however the score stayed at 2-2. Made my way home in good time and was glad I went.