Cox seeks more consistency as Poppies prepare for a tough test

Kettering Town head to Altrincham tomorrow, less than two weeks after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to the same opponents. Picture by Peter Short

The Poppies produced one of their worst performances under Paul Cox when they lost 2-0 to the Robins just under two weeks ago at Latimer Park.

But the Kettering manager believes his players have responded well from that setback.

They drew 0-0 with fellow strugglers Curzon Ashton at Latimer Park last weekend before securing a spot in this season’s NFA Hillier Senior Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Vanarama National League North rivals Brackley Town on Tuesday night, courtesy of two goals from Tre Mitford and one from Ben Milnes.

Kettering are currently six points clear of the relegation zone but will be the underdogs this weekend as they face an in-form Altrincham side who are unbeaten in their last 13 home league matches.

But Cox is staying focused on trying to make his team as consistent as possible.

“I am hoping we have woken up from that (the home loss to Altrincham),” the Poppies boss said.

“I know there is an understanding that we aren’t going to play well every week and we aren’t going to win every match.

“My job is to try to build this club and build the consistency that sees us win more matches than we lose.

“Nights like the Altrincham game are going to happen and we just have to limit them to as few as possible.

“If we do that, we will make this club a success in the short, medium and long-term.

“The players have responded and they came through a tough game with Curzon Ashton.

“I think we are heading in the right direction but when the players dip, it’s my job to pick them up and get them back firing.”