LAVERY SETS GOAL OF LIFT-OFF FOR POPPIES
THE Poppies grabbed their first back-to-back home wins of the season through grit and determination.
Two teams needing the points for very different reasons took to the field at a sunny Latimer Park, with the hosts ignoring the form guide to claim the three points and continue their push for survival in the Southern League Central.
Kettering’s resurgence under Richard Lavery in the past two games has been clear for all to see. Meanwhile, Stratford manager Gavin Hurren will be disappointed at the lack of clear-cut chances created, with Kettering debutant keeper Arlo Doherty having very little to do.
The visitors enjoyed more of the initial moments, coming to terms quicker with the wind and heavy surface. League top scorer Callum Ebanks had a tame effort on target after six minutes, but Doherty saved easily. Lewis Ison’s free-kick just over the crossbar minutes later was the best of the opening chances for the Bards.
Kettering eventually found their feet, hitting a post from Lewis White’s header after 14 minutes with the rebound shot by George
Forsyth hacked off the line. Jack Storer was proving tricky for Kettering’s defence with the midfielder testing the keeper twice but his chip shot was easily stopped after 23 minutes as was his shot from distances minutes later.
The only goal of the game came in slightly fortuitous circumstances when a cross from the right hand side after 32 minutes was met by Dan Jarvis, who launched the ball goalwards. Callum Smith made a great save onto a post but the ball hit the keeper’s back and dropped over the line.
The entertaining first half could not be matched in the second with opportunities on goal few and far between. White hit the post with another header after 65 minutes whilst Ison’s powerful header at the other end went just over the bar.
Lavery said: “We should have scored two or three. Today the boys have shown what Kettering are all about. My job was to come in and keep Kettering up, but next season I want to be in the top three.”
STAR MAN: Huw Dawson (Kettering) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★