Law happy to see impressive Poppies learn their lesson

James Brighton scored twice as Kettering Town claimed a fine 4-0 win at Cambridge City

The Poppies did all the damage in the first half as they raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first seven minutes thanks to goals from Rene Howe and James Brighton.

Brighton’s free-kick made it 3-0 just before the half-hour and then Spencer Weir-Daley completed the scoring shortly before the break.

Kettering are now six points behind Leamington, who hold the final play-off place in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, ahead of a run of seven home games in a row.

The victory at Cambridge came just a week after the Poppies had gone 3-0 up against Cirencester Town, only to be pegged back to 3-3 before snatching a late goal to win it.

And Law was pleased his team didn’t give Cambridge that same opportunity.

“We started off like we started last weekend but this time we learned our lesson and we barely gave them a sniff,” the Poppies boss said.

“We have won four and lost one of the last five matches and we have scored 15 goals in the process. That’s decent form and it has given us a chance to do something.

“We are taking our chances and the goals are coming from all over the pitch, there is no reliance on just one area.

“It was a very pleasing performance from all the lads and it has set us up for the run of home games we have coming up.”

Law was full of praise for midfielder Brighton, who has become a key figure for the Poppies in recent months after joining the club last summer.

He added: “Certainly since November time James has added the goals to his game and we knew he had that locker.

“(Technical director) Alan Doyle spoke very highly of him during the summer, it took a bit of time to get him but I am very glad we did because he has been fantastic for us.

“He is massive part of what we are trying to achieve here.”

Law, meanwhile, is confident both Howe and Wilson Carvalho will be fit for Tuesday’s clash with Paulton Rovers at Latimer Park.

Howe was withdrawn at half-time while Carvalho was forced off with a knock in the second period.

Law said: “We brought Rene off to protect him for Tuesday because he had a little tweak.

“Wilson took a heavier knock but we were in a position to be able to get him off as well so hopefully both will be okay for Tuesday,

“And it was good to give the young lads like Ben Stephens and Ben Baker more time on the pitch. These players are the future for us and it’s fantastic to be able to get them involved.”