KETTERING ARE GIFTED VICTORY

A WAYWARD backpass allowed Kettering to pinch a late winner at Banbury United.

Rene Howe had the Poppies’ first shot in the opening minute but put his effort just wide of the post.

Zac McEachran responded for the Puritans but he too also fired wide.

Kettering took the lead after 12 minutes when Ben Baker fired home from ten yards. Four minutes later, Banbury were awarded a corner from which Darius Browne’s cross went past the far post.

Sam Humphreys then came close for the hosts three minutes later, Aaron O’Connor sent a shot over the home crossbar on 28 minutes before McEachran forced a save from Poppies keeper Paul White moments later.

With eight minutes left in the opening half, Kettering should have had the ball in the net but O’Connor headed wide.

The Puritans equalised after Tom Winters was brought down in the box after a glorious run.

Manny Duku stepped up to calmly fire home from the spot with 19 minutes to go.

But the Poppies hit back with eight minutes remaining when O’Connor intercepted a poor backpass and slotted past home keeper Jack Harding.