Kettering Town 0 AFC Telford United 0 - Jon Dunham’s review

Jon Dunham shares his thoughts on the Vanarama National League North clash…

Overall, a draw was probably right but the Poppies may feel they should have got more.

This was always going to be another battle on the tough surface at Latimer Park and that’s certainly what it was.

It wasn’t easy for either side and, with chances few and far between, it always looked likely that either a mistake or a set-piece would lead to a winner if there was to be one.

Truth be told, Kettering made most of the running and looked the more likely to break the deadlock.

And they were out of luck in the second half when, from a set-piece, recent loan signing Jevan Anderson connected with a looping header and Telford goalkeeper Russell Griffiths could only watch on as the ball cannoned off the face of the crossbar.

That was as close as either side came, although the visitors did have their best chance late on when James Hardy shot wide on the rebound after Adam Collin had parried a shot from Jordan Davies.

In the end, a draw was probably fair but it was Kettering who will feel that an opportunity to rack up another win went begging.

Defences were on top and both backlines were impressive.

As we all know, it’s usually the attacking players who take all the glory in football.

But when defences play well, it’s only right that they get the praise they deserve.

Neither side could find a winner but both teams will be happy with the clean sheet and both defences deserved that for their efforts.

Kettering were hit by the early withdrawal of captain Luke Graham and that meant a reshuffle from a back three into a back four.

But Michael McGrath was very impressive alongside Ryan Fryatt at the heart of the defence while Jevan Anderson enjoyed another good outing at left-back and Gary Stohrer was his usual reliable self on the right. They ensured Adam Collin’s afternoon was fairly comfortable.

The Telford defence were just as good, however.

Their centre-half pairing of Theo Streete and Courtney Meppan-Waters seemed to relish the physical battle with Kyle Perry and they ensured opportunities were at a premium for the hosts.

This was a day on which defences were on top and they deserve to be recognised for it.

Now for the FA Trophy!

The next time the Poppies will be in league action will be on Boxing Day when they host Northamptonshire rivals Brackley Town.

For now, the focus falls on the Buildbase FA Trophy.

Kettering take on old rivals Nuneaton Borough in the second round at Latimer Park on Tuesday night and should they be successful, a trip to Ashton United or York City will then be on the cards in the third round next weekend.

It certainly won’t be easy in midweek. Despite now being in Step 3, Nuneaton have some good players in their squad including former Kettering man Marcus Kelly and ex-Premier League striker Leroy Lita.

Paul Cox insists he will play the strongest side available to him and, while conceding the league is his priority, a good run is nothing to be sniffed at, especially after any chance of a big FA Cup run was ripped away from the Poppies by an outbreak of Covid-19.

Kettering have found a bit of momentum over the last six matches and it’s important they try to keep that going.