Law: Poppies must get back at it

Marcus Law takes in the action during Kettering Town's FA Trophy defeat at Witton Albion. Pictures by Peter Short

Marcus Law insists Kettering Town must 'get back at it' as they return to Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division action last night.

And, aside from the NFA Hillier Senior Cup, the Poppies now have just the league to focus on following their 2-1 defeat at Witton Albion in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday.

The only thing that has been consistent about Law’s team this season has been their inconsistency and that was on show again as they were dumped out of the Trophy by lower-ranked opponents.

Just seven days earlier, they had hammered St Ives Town 7-0 away from home in the league.

James Brighton gets on the ball for the Poppies but was forced off with an injury during the defeat at Witton

Now they are preparing for a trip to Kings Langley, who beat Enfield Town 1-0 in the Trophy on Saturday, and the Poppies find themselves 11 points off the play-off places in a season in which a promotion push had been expected.

“We have got to get back at it,” Law said.

“This is a very busy month and we have got to another away game straight away.

“Kings Langley have had a great result in the Trophy but we have to pick up the baton from our last league game. We have to go again.

Poppies striker Matthew Barnes-Homer and a Witton defender keep their eye on the ball

“Clearly, there is a real lack of consistency, that is obvious to everyone.

“Witton are a decent side, they are a league below but it wouldn’t surprise me if they are at the level we are at next season.

“I think the thing that disappointed me the most is the way we fell away after starting the game so well.”

The Poppies were boosted by the returns of Lewis Hornby and Paul White who were back on the bench following injuries at the weekend.

But Rene Howe missed the Trophy clash due to a groin problem.