Poppies' run comes to an end and they drop out of play-off places after defeat at Stratford Town

For the first time in 2026, Liam McDonald's players were second best in all departments, making uncharacteristic mistakes and unable to raise energy levels enough to truly worry their hosts in the final third.

In his post match comments, manager McDonald admitted he had chosen the wrong starting XI after his squad were visibly tired after Good Friday's statement win over Real Bedford.

But the Kettering players also need to be held accountable for what was such a horrendous showing in the Warwickshire sunshine.

A couple of early efforts off target from Blaine Rowe saw the Poppies come out of the traps the faster, but it didn't take long for the Bards to look the more threatening.

Kory Roberts strong header to the right of goal was cleared off the line by Lewis Coyle on 10 minutes as the hosts kept finding joy on the left side of the field. A second cross from that side found Dan Lafferty, but he could only blaze over the bar from 18 yards out.

Kai Fifield thought he had opened the scoring on 19 minutes when he cut in from the left and curled the ball towards the top corner but Jake Weaver was able to tip over the bar.

A counter attack on 23 minutes led to the opening goal. Another Rowe shot ricochetted off Lewis Ison and the ball was launched up the pitch.

Owen James took the ball to the right of the box before putting it across the face of goal for Josh Toluwaloju to poke home just yards out. It could have been two for the hosts had Paul White not made a brave block from the left on the half hour mark whilst Kettering's best chance of getting back into the game was Harvey Peters' powerful header which was directed inches away from goal.

Ismael Fatadjo was introduced at half time after a nasty head injury to Will van Lier in the first half, and Kettering enjoyed a lot more of the possession.

However they couldn't capitalise, instead making a host of errant passes, selfish runs and slow, muddled decisions which a robust Stratford side batted away with ease.

There was no one in the area to score from Preston Bitemo's and Coyle's crosses on 52 and 58 minutes respectively. Whilst the usually tenacious Eddie Panter, couldn't control a through-pass on the hour mark which would have set him up with a one on one opportunity.

Toluwaloju forced a diving save from White on 64 minutes to remind Kettering that they were still a threat. And eight minutes later that warning wasn't heeded when a corner from the right was whipped in by Lafferty and appeared to have enough bend to cross the goal-line.

But Carl Mensah's last ditch effort to try and clear only resulted in the defender turning into his own net.

Mensah nearly set up a grandstand finish with a first time hit narrowly going over on 80 minutes whilst Nathan Jeche was unable to get power on his shot from just six yards out allowing Weaver to smoother the ball.

The Stratford shot stopper also kept out two late efforts from Wes York and a direct free kick at a tight angle from Coyle deep into the stoppage time but either goal would have been mere consolation.

Kettering's destiny is still in their own hands with four games to go.

But an already small squad is now having to be patched up with captain George Forsyth's knee keeping him out whilst Levi Andoh still sits on the side lines.

The sight of Ben Isaacson hobbling off will also worry supporters and the club still haven't confirmed if Carl Mensah will remain for the rest of the season.

A busy few days ahead then for McDonald before Worcester City visit Latimer Park on Saturday.