Keep it up and we've got a massive chance, says Poppies boss Law

David Popa scored his first goal for Kettering Town on his full debut in last night's 3-1 success over Stratford Town. Picture by Alison Bagley

The Poppies made is six games without defeat with a 3-1 victory over Stratford Town at Latimer Park last night (Tuesday) thanks to second-half goals from David Popa, on his full debut, Spencer Weir-Daley and Wilson Carvalho, from the penalty spot.

With fifth-placed Hitchin Town losing 1-0 at King’s Lynn Town, Kettering are now just four points behind them with two games in hand.

The Poppies, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 matches, are now gearing up for two more home matches over the Easter weekend with Slough Town the visitors on Saturday before Bedworth United come to Latimer Park on Monday (3pm).

Law was pleased with a satisfying night and he also reserved a word of praise for young frontman Popa, who is on loan from Birmingham City, as his wonderful back heel opened the scoring.

“It was a good night for us, results went our way and we have taken advantage,” the Poppies manager said.

“With the late kick-off (Stratford were late arriving), we had seen some scores at half-time and we let the boys know what the situation was. Sometimes we have to stick that belief in them.

“It was all about winning the 18-yard boxes. They had some chances, so did we and we took the ones we created.

“The first two were great, instinctive centre-forward goals.

“David scored a lovely goal on his full debut and we knew we would be getting a good, technical striker thanks to connection I have at Birmingham.

“It’s one loss in 10 matches which is good going and I think our goal average is around three a game in that spell.

“If we can keep that going then we are in with a massive chance.”

With the deadline for transfers coming up at 5pm tomorrow (Thursday), Law confirmed Kettering will be seeking to extend the loans of Birmingham duo Popa and Perry Cotton until the end of the season.

And, on whether any further new faces would be arriving, he added: “I might have one or two other phone calls to see what happens.

“But we have got the under-21s signed up already and there are some very good players in there.”