Isaacson header the difference as Poppies maintain play-off push with win over Bromsgrove

Fans left Latimer Park with their nerves shredded as the hosts held on to their single goal lead, repelling a late onslaught by the visitors.

Opposition manager Tim Flowers was left lamenting a late penalty decision that did not go Sporting's way, whilse striker Brad Stretton was lucky to remain on the pitch for Bromsgrove after a horror two-footed tackle on Will Van Lier shortly after joining the action.

The keeps the Poppies in 11th place, but they are only seven points off fifth-placed Redditch with three games in hand, and nine adrift of fourth-placed Quorn having played four games less.

In a game devoid of clearcut chances, it was the hosts who had the better of the first half.

Alfie Lewis was denied on eiht minutes by a last minute block by skipper Aaron Roberts from 12 yards out.

Minutes later Jack Newell couldn't get enough direction on a cross from the left and the ball fell safely into the hands of Paul White.

Blaine Rowe fired into the side netting on 33 minutes as Kettering got closer to scoring, but it was Eddie Panter who had the outstanding chance to grab the opening goal five minutes later.

A through ball found the striker in acres of space in the middle of the field and his devastating pace left Roberts for dead.

But just as he was about to strike from 20 yards out, he was defeated by the infamous 'Burton Bobble' and could only blast over.

Thankfully for the in-form striker, the Poppies did take the lead soon after.

On the stroke of half time, Panter was ruthlessly upended by Jordan Lynn by a tackle that potentially deserved a red card.

The resulting free kick to the right of the box was delivered towards the back post by Lewis Coyle and Ben Isaacson was on hand to head home at an acute angle, through the hands of Rory Brown, to score his second goal in two games.

In the second half the robust visitors began to cause Kettering more problems with Niall Flint one-on-one with White on 57 minutes, but the keeper was able to charge down the ball.

Panter saw his shot well blocked by Roberts on 64 minutes - Roberts by now having an outstanding game for the Rouslers

A late grandstand finish ensued with Bromsgrove pumping the ball into the six yard box where they had a serious height advantage.

On the break, late substitute Nathan Jeche was played through but was unable to apply finish which would have sealed the win.

In the dying moments, Roberts was kept out at the far post by the body of Isaacson with the ball scrambled away to safety.

It was by no means a pretty victory and in his post-match comments, Liam McDonald agreed that his players were starting to look tired on the soft Latimer Park surface.

But the momentum is undeniable and this Kettering squad keep finding ways to unpick tricky opposition.

Another side at the wrong end of the table visit Latimer Park next, with Alvechurch the visitors on Tuesday night (ko 7.45pm).