Derby 2-1Kettering

Kettering were disappointed to return from Derby without the point they deserved as Derby scored late on to take the spoils.

Derby are near the top of the league based on scoring few and conceding less. A bare eleven from Kettering set out to stifle any threat from the hosts. This tactic worked well as Derby were solid in defence and midfield but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Derby opened the scoring with a clinical finish from a narrow angle but Kettering were denied what looked a clear Penalty when Mark Hawkins was fouled when through on goal. Half time and one nil to Derby. Kettering equalised míd was through the second half when Andy Bull's pin point pass found Hawkins alone in the D and he slotted home. With the game looking like being a draw Derby managed to score with 5 to go when a shot was half stopped by Barry Coe and swept home to the hosts' delight. Graham Smart picked up the man of the match award for a great defensive display. Skipper Ant picked up a very dirty pint for his birthday. Nice one, skipper.

Next week sees the visit of old foes Ramgarhia, 230 at CBA with Kettering welcoming back a couple of players to bolster their ranks for the last home game before Christmas.