Kettering 5-2 St Ives

St Ives were the only team to have beaten Kettering thus season but the chances of a repeat were blown away in an explosive first twenty minutes when Kettering raced into a three goal lead. Grant Carlin scored from a short corner to open the scoring and then proceeded to miss a simpler chance following some great interplay between Mark Hawkins and skipper Ant Paton. Carlin bagged another and Hawkins was then on target to really set Kettering on their way. This blistering opening completely relaxed Kettering and they allowed St Ives into it when Phil Rowbotham deflected a ball past keeper Barry Coe for an easy tap in. Then Lewis Pywell, playing to the cameras, immediately restored the three goal cushion when he hammered a brilliant reverse stick shot. St Ives still had time to pull another goal back when what looked like an uncontrolled slap at a short corner was deemed OK. Half time saw Kettering realise that they could create more chances but had to be a little more in control at the back to snuff out any chance of a St Ives comeback. Kettering had chances to extend their lead when the usually reliable Hawkins put a shot wide. The next goal was always going to be important and the hosts duly obliged when Carlin completed his hat trick. Kettering then withstood a barrage of short corners but stood firm and on the counter won a penalty stroke which Carlin duly missed. Kettering easily saw out the remainder of the game and with leaders Cambridge City losing they regain top spot in 4NW.
Next week a late start at Peterborough.

St Ives match report is here:- Kettering v St Ives