Frustration for joint boss Bridgwater as out-of-sorts Poppies slip to Anstey Nomads defeat

Joint boss David Bridgwater was disappointed by a lack of composure and attacking quality from his side as Kettering Town were beaten 1-0 at Anstey Nomads on Tuesday night.

But he was also aggrieved that his side were not awarded a penalty in the second half for what looked a clear foul on striker Eddie Panter as he raced in on goal.

The Poppies suffered a fourth defeat of the season, and the second in four matches, as Harvey Kirby-Moore scored what proved to be only goal of the game on 21 minutes.

Kettering strived for an equaliser without any success, with Anstey left to celebrate a notable victory that saw them climb into the top seven.

As for the Poppies, they remain fourth, but are now 10 points adrift of leaders Real Bedford who were 4-1 winners at Leiston.

So it wasn't a great night for Kettering, and Bridgwater said: "The lads huffed and puffed and we can't fault their endeavour or work-rate, but I am frustrated.

"In the first half we did okay but we could have got on the ball more, although it was a difficult pitch, very heavy.

"Anstey press really high so it is difficult to get it down and play, but in the middle third and final third I thought we could have got on the ball more.

"It is a difficult place to come, it's a Tuesday night, there is no atmosphere, and it is disappointing.

"Towards the end I thought we put a bit of a siege on their goal and one could have fell for us.

"We had that many balls going into the box, crosses, set-pieces, long throws, free-kicks, corners, and one has to drop, so I have said to the lads are we being pro-active enough? Or are we on our heels?

"It is an artform landing there and getting there at the right time, and to be fair we have been doing that, but it just didn't happen in this game.

"Anstey are physical, they work hard, and you could hear them after the game, signing and shouting and dancing about as if they have just won the league, but that is the togetherness they have got after getting promoted last season

"It is disappointing for us because we have been playing well and were the form team with four wins out of five, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net."

And on the moment that could have resulted in a penalty for Kettering, and a sending off for the Anstey defender, Bridgwater admitted: "My initial reaction was, that's a penalty and red card.

"The contact is on the line, which is in the box, and there is no covering defender.

"I am not going to moan about referees because it is a tough job, but it seemed like an easy decision to make for me.

"As wellas that, their right-back also made a foul over in the corner that I thought should have been a second yellow card, so that's two guys who should have been sent off."

The Poppies take a break from league action on Saturday when they travel to Enterprise National League South strugglers Braintree Town in the FA Trophy second round.

Braintree are currently 19th in National League South and were beaten 2-0 at Salisbury on Tuesday night.

Quotes courtesy of Peter Short