Home matches now key as Poppies draw on the road again

Marcus Law knows Kettering Town must now put their full focus on three home games in a row after they were forced to settle for another draw on the road.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Dec 2017, 06:07 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 11:05 BST
Rhys Hoenes' reaction says it all as another chance goes begging for Kettering Town in the 2-2 draw at Frome Town. Pictures by Peter ShortRhys Hoenes' reaction says it all as another chance goes begging for Kettering Town in the 2-2 draw at Frome Town. Pictures by Peter Short
Rhys Hoenes' reaction says it all as another chance goes begging for Kettering Town in the 2-2 draw at Frome Town. Pictures by Peter Short

In their ninth away match in their last 10 outings, the Poppies twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Frome Town yesterday (Saturday) with top scorer Aaron O’Connor scoring both goals.It was Kettering’s second draw of the week after they had been held to a 1-1 stalemate at Banbury United in midweek.The two draws have left the Poppies still in fourth place in the Evo-Stik South League Premier but they now trail leaders King’s Lynn Town by seven points, although they have two games in hand.Law felt his team “had enough chances to win” at Frome but he knows they can make those draws on the road look more valuable if they continue their impressive form at Latimer Park against St Ives Town on Tuesday night and Stratford Town next weekend.The Poppies boss said: “We are really disappointed that we have not come away with a win. We had enough chances to win that game.“We have had four one-on-ones and the fact their goalkeeper was man of the match tells the story. It was him who stopped us from getting two extra points.“I have to give the players credit because we conceded the second goal but we responded straight away and the goalkeeper has made another save and we have scored from the resulting corner.“Maybe we do need to look across that line up there because Aaron is the only one at the moment who is taking his chances.“And his value to us cannot be underestimated, his goal ratio for the club is outstanding and we are delighted he is with us.“But overall, nine out of our last 10 matches have been away from home, it has been a very difficult run.“Out of the league games, we have only lost one but those efforts are only going to look good if we go and win our next three home matches and that’s what we have to focus on now.”The Poppies completed the signing of former Altrincham and Kidderminster Harriers centre-back Tom Marshall ahead of the game.Despite having not played for sometime, Marshall was handed his debut and Law added: “I thought Tom was fantastic to be fair.“He hadn’t played for over a year and we knew that but he didn’t miss a header and he never allowed anyone to get in behind.“He gave us something and I was very pleased with what he did. And anyone who thought he was anything but good for us needs to have another look at it.”

Related topics:PoppiesBanbury United