Defeat at Telford was a 'wake-up call' for Poppies boss Paul

Omari Sterling-James, who scored Kettering Town's consolation, takes on AFC Telford United's Ryan Sears. Pictures by Peter Short

By the manager’s own admission, the Poppies turned in a poor display at the New Bucks Head as goals from Ryan Sears, Ryan Bennett and Aaron Williams put Telford 3-0 up before Omari Sterling-James’ fine strike reduced the arrears.

But there was to be no fightback from Kettering who have now gone seven games without a win in the Vanarama National League North, scoring just three goals in the same period.

They are still nine points clear of the relegation zone with two games in hand on second-from-bottom Blyth Spartans.

Paul Cox was far from happy with the performance of his Poppies team in the 3-1 defeat

But Cox was far from impressed with his team’s display.

“We were poor, if I am totally honest,” the Poppies boss said.

“The DNA that we have built up in ourselves and our ethics and morals as a group just weren’t there and I was very disappointed with the performance.

“I think you always have to be concerned with a run like this.

Goalmouth action from the clash at the New Bucks Head

“I have to think logically and because of the run we have had and the number of games we have lost, it can sometimes paper over the cracks.

“You look at the bigger picture and we were rock-bottom when we first came in and because of the upturn in form and the way we put a run together when we were unbeaten, but not necessarily winning, I think you can sometimes get carried away.

“This was a huge wake-up call for me, especially in terms of planning for next season.

“We have to look at it for what it is but nothing has changed, we still have to achieve our goal for this season.

“I know I sound like a scratched record but we have to achieve our goal of stopping in this league this season."