Law so happy to see Poppies grind out a victory

Marcus Law was delighted to see Kettering Town 'grind' out another crucial victory in their quest to reach the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-offs.
Liam Canavan heads off to celebrate after he opened the scoring for Kettering Town late on against Paulton Rovers. Pictures by Peter ShortLiam Canavan heads off to celebrate after he opened the scoring for Kettering Town late on against Paulton Rovers. Pictures by Peter Short
Liam Canavan heads off to celebrate after he opened the scoring for Kettering Town late on against Paulton Rovers. Pictures by Peter Short

The Poppies looked to be heading for a goalless draw with relegation-threatened Paulton Rovers at Latimer Park last night (Tuesday).

But, with just two minutes remaining, Liam Canavan fired home and then young striker Silvano Obeng completed the 2-0 victory as the game moved into stoppage-time.

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With teams above them also winning, the success was vital and the Poppies now sit six points behind fifth-placed Leamington with a game in hand.

Liam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton RoversLiam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton Rovers
Liam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton Rovers

Law admitted his team weren’t at their free-flowing best but he was pleased to see the “graft” his players put in pay off at the death.

“The free-flowing football of the last couple of games wasn’t there, which was very frustrating for us,” Law said.

“It just wasn’t happening and they played a system that put a lot of pressure on us.

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“But we just said at half-time ‘okay, if it’s not working for us we will have to play the percentage game and try to work harder than them’.

Silvano Obeng celebrates after he completed the Poppies' 2-0 win over Paulton Rovers at Latimer ParkSilvano Obeng celebrates after he completed the Poppies' 2-0 win over Paulton Rovers at Latimer Park
Silvano Obeng celebrates after he completed the Poppies' 2-0 win over Paulton Rovers at Latimer Park

“It all came down to the 18-yard box and being livelier than them when we are defending and attacking.

“And that showed in the corner for the first goal. The ball was blocked but we get on the end of it and forced in a really crucial goal.

“That’s a massive result for us. It puts us in a really good position.

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“We know anyone can beat anyone because we have been stung before.

Liam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton RoversLiam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton Rovers
Liam Canavan fires home Kettering Town's opening goal against Paulton Rovers

“I am just really pleased that we showed a lot of endeavour.

“To grind out something is huge because there was a moment during the second half where you could see the youngsters were losing a bit of hope.

“Sometimes it just takes a bit of graft and they got their reward for it.”

The Poppies’ next test in a long run of home games comes at the weekend when they entertain St Neots Town.

Don’t miss more Poppies news in Thursday’s Northants Telegraph

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