Four-goal O'Connor fires Poppies into the play-offs

Aaron O’Connor emphasised his importance to Kettering Town’s push for promotion with a superb four-goal show as they saw off Hitchin Town 4-1 at Latimer Park.

Just two days on from the disappointing 2-1 loss at fellow promotion contenders King’s Lynn Town, the Poppies responded in perfect fashion with their hitman leading the charge. O’Connor’s four-goal haul, all done and dusted inside 55 minutes to allow him a standing ovation as boss Marcus Law brought him off for some well-earned rest, took him to 36 in all competitions this season.

It really has been an outstanding campaign for O’Connor who certainly has it in his armoury to fire Kettering to promotion.

They will get that opportunity in the post-season as this win confirmed their place in the Evo-Stik South League Premier play-offs.

It has been a huge step forward for the Poppies after missing the top five in the previous two campaigns and, while the season will no doubt be judged on whether they go up or not, the fact they have got there with five games to play is a testament to the management and the squad.

Read more at: Jon Dunham - Northants Telegraph