PoppiesTitle hopes are hit

A disastrous finish saw Kettering Town drop more vital points as their hopes of a title challenge in the Evo-Stik South League Premier suffered a dramatic blow after a 1-1 draw with lowly Kings Langley at Latimer Park. While never being at their best, the Poppies looked to be heading for another home success and to the top of the table on a day when others around the dropped points.

They led after an early goal from top scorer Aaron O’Connor and, despite numerous good chances coming their way, were unable to find the second goal that would have killed the game off. But Kings Langley defied their league position. While Paul White was rarely troubled in the Kettering goal, the visitors did their best to give as good as they got when they had the opportunity. And, in the first of just two minutes of stoppage-time, a lapse of concentration cost the Poppies a vital win as Rene Howe flicked a corner into his own net. It as a hammer blow, especially with hardly any time remaining for them to find a response.

Frustrating. That would be the appropriate word. And, unfortunately, frustrations boiled over as boss Marcus Law exchanged words with Poppies supporters as he headed down the tunnel. Clearly, Kettering are having a blip and that’s not something they’ve been used to this season.

SourceJon Dunham - Northants Telegraph