Kettering 4-3 Cambridge Nomads 2

Kettering scrambled a late winner against a resolute Cambridge Nomads team to keep them near the summit of the fledgling table.
Kettering started brightly but the early passages of play were evenly shared. Nomads scored against the run of play when veteran Neil Freeman failed to cut out a cross leading to a far post tap in. Kettering roared back and pinned Cambridge into their own half for long periods. Only some great goalkeeping and last ditch defending kept Kettering at bay but eventually the pressure told as Grant Carlin fired home a quick-fire double - the first a short corner that was deflected in, the second a breakdown from a set piece. The modern game gives all the advantages to the team pressing and it is very hard to win on the back foot. 2-1 at half time and Kettering were ready to ram home their territorial and possessional advantage but sporadic breakaways from Cambridge caused Kettering problems and a penalty stroke tied the game and a mis hit short corner was deflected in to give the visitors a surprise lead. With no subs the visitors started to tire and Kettering's rampant attacking eventually paid off when a counter attack saw Matt Wood feed Mark Hawkins to tie the game at 3-3. Kettering were not to be denied and in the last minute skipper Ant Paton was on hand to apply the finish to break Nomads hearts. Kettering will need to sharpen up at the back but averaging 5 goals a week will make them difficult to beat. Next week sees Kettering travel to St Ives in an early table topper.

Read Nomads extremely fair review of the game here.Kettering v Nomads ( Nomads report)