Poppies boss Law frustrated as the title is put on hold

Marcus Law was left frustrated that Kettering Town were unable to give a bumper crowd a title to celebrate after their hopes were dashed by a 2-1 defeat to Alvechurch at Latimer Park.
Marcus Law was frustrated after Kettering Town were beaten 2-1 by Alvechurch at Latimer Park as their title party was put on hold. Pictures by Peter ShortMarcus Law was frustrated after Kettering Town were beaten 2-1 by Alvechurch at Latimer Park as their title party was put on hold. Pictures by Peter Short
Marcus Law was frustrated after Kettering Town were beaten 2-1 by Alvechurch at Latimer Park as their title party was put on hold. Pictures by Peter Short

The Poppies looked set to be crowned Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central champions after Craig Stanley’s first goal for the club had brought them level in the second half following Jamie Willets’ early opener for the play-off chasing visitors.

A draw would have been enough as second-placed Stourbridge were held to a goalless draw at Needham Market.

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But a rare error from goalkeeper Paul White, who had made some excellent saves earlier in the game, saw Mitch Botfield’s strike squirm between his legs to give Alvechurch the winning goal with just two minutes left on the clock.

Poppies goalkeeper Paul White is beaten by Jamie Willets' early headerPoppies goalkeeper Paul White is beaten by Jamie Willets' early header
Poppies goalkeeper Paul White is beaten by Jamie Willets' early header

The Poppies now need just one point from their final four matches to clinch the crown but Law was disappointed after a day that had promised so much ended a bit flat.

“We didn’t play particularly well,” he said.

“I had a bit of a go at them at half-time and told them to get back to basics and I thought we were better in the second half.

“Chances for chances, it was probably on a par. Their goalkeeper has made some very good saves as has Paul White.

Craig Stanley's first goal for Kettering proved to be in vainCraig Stanley's first goal for Kettering proved to be in vain
Craig Stanley's first goal for Kettering proved to be in vain
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“I am just gutted for Paul. Over the past two years he has had a lot of clean sheets and he has made an error this time and it has delayed it a bit.

“We didn’t have much time to recover from the goal and that sounds a bit hypocritical from me when you look at how many late goals we have scored.

“Results went our way but I am left a bit frustrated really. We will get over the line, I am sure of that but it’s just frustrating we couldn’t do it on this day.”

Kettering will now make the trip to relegation-threatened Halesowen Town next weekend knowing that a draw will be enough to see them crowned champions.

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And Law added: “I have been around football too long to know you can’t take anything for granted.

“We have got to get a point, we have got to do everything right this week and make sure we rectify what happened this weekend.

“It was a great turnout from the fans and it’s unfortunate we didn’t give them the title party they deserve.”

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