Poppies' determination pleases boss Law

Marcus Law declared himself 'pleased' with the determination his Kettering Town players showed as they claimed a 0-0 draw at high-flying Hitchin Town.
Rene Howe is denied by Liam Gotch during Kettering Town's 0-0 draw at Hitchin Town. Pictures by Peter ShortRene Howe is denied by Liam Gotch during Kettering Town's 0-0 draw at Hitchin Town. Pictures by Peter Short
Rene Howe is denied by Liam Gotch during Kettering Town's 0-0 draw at Hitchin Town. Pictures by Peter Short

Hitchin, who now hold the final play-off position, were defending an unbeaten home record in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

Despite having some good chances, the Poppies were unable to find a way through but also kept a clean sheet as they made it three league matches without defeat.

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Kettering are 10 points behind fifth-placed Hitchin but Law insists there is a belief within the squad that they can force their way back into the reckoning.

Poppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shotPoppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shot
Poppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shot

However, he insists the “true value” of yesterday’s draw will only be known once the Poppies have played their next two matches as they prepare to return to Latimer Park for clashes against Redditch United on Tuesday and Dorchester Town next weekend.

“If you had asked me before the game whether I would be happy with a point, I probably would have said yes because we were up against a team who are on a fine unbeaten run and are yet to lose at home,” Law said.

“But we are Kettering Town and we go into every game looking to win because that is what we expect from ourselves and it is what is expected of us.

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“In the first half, we have had one great opportunity where we have not hit the target.

Gary Mulligan battles for the ball during the Poppies' goalless draw at HitchinGary Mulligan battles for the ball during the Poppies' goalless draw at Hitchin
Gary Mulligan battles for the ball during the Poppies' goalless draw at Hitchin

“And, in the second half, I think we have had a go at them and their goalkeeper has made three very good saves.

“But, on the flip side, our goalkeeper (Dean Snedker) has made a great save or two of his own.

“We will take the result and I think the pleasing thing is that the players have shown some grit and produced some no nonsense defending and that is something that I questioned about them following the FA Trophy defeat at Witton.

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“I am not over-excited to have come away with a 0-0 draw but I am reasonably pleased with the determination we have shown.

Poppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shotPoppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shot
Poppies striker Spencer Weir-Daley fires in a shot

“But the true value of this result will only be determined by what happens in the next two home games. It will only be a good point if we go and get more from these matches.”

“We know there is pressure on us to perform but we have had some good results on the road in the league and we have to take that into the next two home games.

“I think the boys in the dressing-room believe we have the ability to go on a run like we last season and they twigging to the no nonsense side of the game, which is something we have been lacking at times.

“But now we have to go and perform in two home matches and if we can do that then it really gives us something to build on.”

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