More pain for Poppies as Stamford add to the misery
Kettering Town’s season continues to fall apart in terrifying fashion after they lost 2-1 to bottom-of-the-table Stamford AFC in the Pitching-In Southern Premier Central League on Tuesday night.
The win was the Daniels’ first home victory of the season and understandably it was celebrated like a cup triumph against their local rivals.
After losing to fifth-from-bottom Bromsgrove Sporting at the weekend, Kettering were unable to produce any answers and now surely have to start looking behind them after failing to gain a point against two relegation candidates.
A turgid first half produced little entertainment for either set of fans as neither side could retain the ball long enough to mount a serious period of pressure.
Stamford took the lead four minutes after the restart. Kai Sanchez-Tonge made an enterprising run through Kettering's defence before calmly slotting the ball beyond the outstretched hand of Jason Alexander.
Kettering remained toothless for much of the second half but with the introduction of Kai Williams on 70 minutes, they finally had an out and out striker on the pitch.
Williams scored soon after his introduction to bring the scores level.
This fixture always brings up late drama and that was the case again on 89 minutes.
Andi Thanoj clearly handled the ball inside the area giving Stamford the chance to claim the points. Tonge was the man to send Alexander the wrong way from the spot kick and earned the hosts their first home victory since April 19.
Kettering will hope home comforts can change their fortunes as Stourbridge, manager Liam McDonald's former club, come to Latimer Park on Saturday.
Fans may have already begun to vote with their feet but another defeat will land the Poppies in serious trouble.