Poppies’ play-off fate still in their own hands after scrappy draw with Halesowen

The 10-man Poppies needed two late, reflex saves from Paul White and a linesman’s decision to go their way to hold on a for a point in an 0-0 draw against Pitching-In Southern League Premier playoff rivals Halesowen.

Despite a huge crowd of mmore than 1,700 in attendance at Latimer Park to witness the "winner takes all" clash, the quality on show did not befit the build-up.

And it was the visitors from the West Midlands who will be disappointed not to be sitting in the final playoff position having dominated the possession and chances created stats.

As it is, the Poppies are fifth with one game to go – and they have a two-point advantage.

Yeltz boss Russ Penn said after full time; "We haven't drawn many blanks this season - the only game you needed to score was today.

"We threw the kitchen sink at them and I couldn't be more prouder. My only criticism is that we haven't worked goalkeeper White enough."

Adorned in their 50th anniversary Kettering Tyres shirts celebrating the club introducing shirt sponsorship to the game, the Poppies started tentatively and allowed Halesowen the first effort on goal, but Jason Cowley's effort was easily saved by White on seven minutes.

The dangerous Eddie Panter was released towards goal on 14 minutes for Kettering’s first notable attack, however Ryan Wollacott was on hand to avert the danger.

Jim Kellermann and Wollacott had efforts in quick succession kept out as the Yeltz continued to press their hosts.

Ben Isaacson did deliver a cross into the area on the stroke of half-time that was easily headed away.

Few chances were created in the early stages of the second half which remained at the same tempo as the first.

On the hour mark the game's complexion was radically altered when Preston Bitemo received two yellow cards in as many minutes to be sent off - both needless challenges caused by frustration of not seeing enough of the ball.

The man advantage wasn't taken initially by Halesowen although Carl Mensah did need to clear a dangerous ball off the line on 72 minutes.

It took until 85 minutes for the first outstanding chance to materialise and it fell to the Yeltz.

Jak Hickman's corner found the head of Ty Barnett but White was able to get down low enough to palm the ball way from goal.

Kyle Finn was then denied eight minutes later when his shot just inside the area was again well saved low down by the Irish gloveman.

Seven minutes into stoppage time, Hickman did get the ball across the goal line but the flag was quickly raised, and a large portion of the large crowd breathed a sigh of relief.

Kettering still have it in their own hands if they simply win at Bury Town next Saturday.

But the last seven outings haven't featured the quality, or the dominance that has propelled Liam McDonald's men into their current position.

But right now, Kettering are essentially at the quarter final stages - Three more wins (all likely to be on the road), and they will be promoted, and no one will care how they got them.