Fading Poppies still have a job to do

Any hopes the Poppies had of a late surge towards the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off places seems to have now disappeared.

Kettering were beaten 3-2 at Weymouth last weekend, having led 2-1 at half-time.

And that was followed by a 3-0 defeat at title-chasing Leamington on Tuesday night.

It has left the Poppies 14 points behind fifth-placed Merthyr Town with just eight games remaining.

The season has been a far cry from what was expected at the start of the season with the Kettering board being vocal in their hopes of a promotion push.

It is a target that has never really materialised.

And, as they prepare to take on St Ives Town at Latimer Park this weekend, Law is well aware that the lack of success this season will come under more scrutiny soon enough.

But he insists they must find a way to get back to winning form as soon as possible.

“We have had good runs during the season but now we are on the back of three losses and we have to stop the rot,” Law said.

“The debrief after Tuesday night was based around how we move forward in the next nine games.

“It was an open forum and everyone had the chance to have their say.

“The fact is there is still a job to be done and we can’t just pack up and leave it where it is.

“What we have produced in terms of results is not what has been expected, that’s clear and we know that.

“That will, of course, be scrutinised. There will be a review of this season at some stage and it will all be looked at.

“But we have another game tomorrow and the players must focus on that and make sure this run is ended.”