Boss McDonald delighted as Poppies 'relax' to secure crucial win at AFC Sudbury

The win lifted the Poppies up to ninth in the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central and to within six points of fifth-placed Needham Market, with two games in hand.

Kettering now face a quick rematch with Sudbury as the pair play again at Latimer Park on Tuesday night, and the Poppies know that a win in that could see them rise as high as seventh and well and truly in the play-off frame.

On Saturday, Eddie Panter set the Poppies on their way with a 16th-minute opener, before the home side levelled from the penalty spot three minutes later.

Kettering then had to wait until 14 minutes from time before they regained the lead through Panter again, before stoppage time strikes from Ben Isaacson and Kai Williams wrapped up an impressive victory.

"We took the lead and then a lack of concentration led to them scoring, which was disappointing," said McDonald. "I think we are rushing. I know we want to win games, and we know some of these are must-win games, but I said at half-time to just relax.

"I said we are taking quick throws, we are taking quick free-kicks, so just relax and set it up so that we are structurally okay so we don't get done on the counter.

"This match was always a bit of a banana skin, we have to go to Sudbury who are desperate and have to win as well, but I thought the boys handled it really well in the second half.

"Paul White hasn't had a save to make in the second half, we have taken our goals well and I thought we got stronger as the game went on.

"So I am proud of the boys and the way they performed in the second half and to go out and win it 3-0.

"The boys have bounced back which is what I wanted, but we need to kick on and keep this train going."

The trip to Sudbury saw a Poppies debut for central defender Carl Mensah, who has joined on loan from National League North side Bedford Town on loan for the rest of the season.

Interview by Peter Short