Cox bemoans defensive frailties as Poppies miss out on a deserved maximum

Callum Powell scored twice, including an 86th-minute penalty equaliser, as the Poppies fought back three times to claim a 3-3 National League North draw.

It was a precious point for Kettering, who remain two points and two places above second-from-bottom Alfreton, but Cox felt his side, who also scored through Ryan Fryatt, should have claimed more.

“When you come away from home and score three goals, you don’t expect to draw a game,” a frustrated Cox told thepoppies.online

“There are certain things I have learned from Monday, certain things we need to improve on, to make sure we don’t score three goals away from home and only draw the game.

“We created a lot of openings, and if we had put away half of the chances we made we would have won.

“Both teams were committed, both teams knew that three points were at stake, and if there had been fans in the ground they would have really enjoyed the game. But we have come away and got a point.

“Is it a good point? It is always a good point away from home, but when you score three goals I am a little disappointed not to win.

Cox had no issues with the attitude of his players, or their commitment, but he was disappointed by the defensive effort.

“We worked hard but conceded three really sloppy goals,” said the Poppies boss.

“I am a defender by nature, so I would love to win every game 1-0, but we were too open, too inviting.

“To score three goals on the road, and also looking at some of the half-chances we had, we should have got all three points, but we go back to the drawing board.”

The Poppies are back in National League action on Saturday when they face in-form Brackley Town.

The Saints have won four games in a row to move into title contention, and on Monday needed a late goal of their own to secure a 3-2 success over leaders Gloucester City.

Fixture change: Due to the Poppies involvement in the FA Trophy fourth round against Leamington on January 16, the original league fixture for that day at Farsley Celtic has been moved to Tuesday, January 26 (ko 7.45pm).