Old habits return as lacklustre Poppies slump to defeat at high-flying Spalding
Spalding United claimed the spoils in the ‘flower derby’ once again, comfortably beating Kettering Town 2-0 in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.
After the positivity of a solid win on plastic in Quorn last week, the Poppies returned to their timid selves on Tuesday night and were outmuscled by a Tulips side that are serious title contenders.
Much has been made about Kettering’s diminutive squad, but it was clear for all to see as they were pushed off the ball with ease whilst attacking options were limited with no target man to aim for with crosses or long-balls.
Spalding took the lead with their first set piece of the game. A corner driven in from the left and the ball was still on the rise when captain Liam Moore was all alone when leaping forward to bullet the header beyond the right glove of Alexander after eight minutes.
Try as they might, Kettering couldn't get a foothold and should have been 2-0 down on 20 minutes, but former Poppy Lewis White took pity on his former team, heading wide when hitting the target was easier.
A clever low free kick from Andi Thanoj on 41 minutes towards Ismael Fatadjo which the striker couldn't make contact with was the best Kettering had to offer in the first half.
Jason Alexander was needed yet again to save Kettering's blushes pulling off two incredible saves in the second half.
But a second goal was always coming and Jack Roberts obliged 12 minutes from time when once again White was a nuisance in the box for the hosts, putting the ball on a plate for Roberts to lash home just yards out.
Few in Kettering colours can come out with much credit. Connor Stanley tried all night while Preston Bitemo covered most of the pitch in another solid performance.
But despite the nine days off between games, Kettering players looked like they had never seen each other before.
Leadership as well as size is a question now - with very few shouts or encouragement from the ‘experienced’ heads on the field.
Sporting Bromsgrove will be another physical encounter for Kettering on what will be a heavy pitch Saturday, and Liam McDonald is going to need a whole new set of tactics if Kettering are to get anything.