Poppies prove they are the real play-off deal as Panter strike sinks Real Bedford
Kettering Town showed that they are the real deal, continuing their impressive form with a 2-1 win over visitors Real Bedford in the Pitching-In Southern League Premier on Good Friday.
The Poppies have now amassed 32 points from their past 13 games as they search for what was once an unlikely playoff berth and now sit fifth in the table with five regular season games remaining.
Furthermore, a strong crowd of 1,439 witnessed the win at Latimer Park on what turned out to be a great Friday for the club.
Goal hero and fans favourite Eddie Panter lashed an early shot over the bar and Ismael Fatadjo went close lobbing keeper Craig King as the hosts enjoyed the opening period.
Pirates captain Lee Watkins also had to be alert, clearing Carl Mensah's effort off the line.
Kettering took the deserved lead on 19 minutes when Lewis Coyle's free kick whipped in from the right hand side found the head of Will van Lier who sent the ball low beyond the outstretched hand of King.
Ben Stevens was a constant thorn in the side of the hosts, sending in dangerous crosses and on 43 minutes was bearing down on goal before being closed out by Ben Isaacson.
At the other end Kettering continued their search for a second with Blaine Rowe forcing a strong save from King. Panter was upended by Sam Cartwright inside the area late on in the half, but no penalty was awarded. Jack Morrell's header two minutes into first half stoppage time was well held by Paul White.
Kettering gifted their visitors back into the game on the hour mark when White was caught way up field and Stevens took the opportunity to lift the ball over the retreating keeper and into the empty net.
But parity lasted just two minutes as Panter bombed forward into the area and was bought down by Drew Richardson - this time the decision did go the way of the striker and he dusted himself off to send King the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Bedford pushed their hosts deeper and deeper into the final third of the field for the last 20 minutes as Kettering appeared content with their single goal lead. Stevens and Hilliard had late efforts to try and equalise but White made amends for his earlier mistake and saved both times as the Poppies held on.
The big games keep coming for the Poppies who travel to Stratford Town on Easter Monday as they look to cement their play-off position.