Powell's needless red takes shine off impressive pre-season win for Poppies at St Neots
Kettering Town continued their pre-season build up with a 5-0 thrashing of St Neots Town on Tuesday night.
The Poppies travelled to their Step 5 hosts expecting to secure victory, and they did so with a lively display, but they were also forced to play the final 35 minutes with only 10 men after a needless sending off for Aaron Powell.
Eddie Panter led the way for Liam McDonald's side, netting a goal in each half, while there were also goals for Tai Fleming, Shaun Jeffers and Bayley Brown.
After a steady start, the Poppies broke the deadlock on 32 minutes when Fleming netted at the second attempt, slotting home from 10 yards after his initial shot had been blocked.
It was 2-0 five minutes before the interval, as Panter ran on to a great ball and drilled into the back of the net from 20 yards.
The Poppies were now in cruise control,and on the stroke of half-time Jeffers bundled in from close range to make it 3-0.
Powell was introduced from he bench at half-time, but his night didn't last long as less than 10 minutes later he was red-carded for dissent, aiming an abusive comment towards the referee.
Despite the man disadvantage, the Poppies were still the better side, and Panter scored his second and his team's fourth when he pinged home from a tight angle.
The scoring was then completed with the goal of the match, Bayley Brown unleashing a long-range thunderbolt that flew into the net to make it 5-0.
Former Northampton Town man Lawson D'Ath skippered the Poppies and ran the midfield on the night, while there were also impressive performances from Fleming, Thomas Leak and Harvey Peters.
The only downside was that needless red card for Powell.
The Poppies continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they entertain ambitious National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town, who are now managed by former Bedford Town boss Lee Bircham.