On an unbelievably bleak day at Bishop Stopford with snow swirling for the duration of the game Kettering took a huge stride towards promotion with an emphatic win against League leaders Bourne Deeping. Bourne travelled with a very strong squad and a 100% away record knowing a win would secure them promotion in the tightest of leagues.
The early stages of the game were even. Kettering forced a couple of short corners but were unable to get a clean shot away. Bourne also had a number of chances, one forcing an excellent save from keeper Barry Coe. With defences generally on top it looked like neither side would make a breakthrough but an error midway through the first half from the Bourne keeper saw Ben Mills shot creep home. Half time 1-0.
Kettering knew Bourne would come out firing and they equalised very early into the second half. With Andy Sellers and Grant Carlin driving the hosts forward it was Carlin whose fierce cross was expertly deflected by Dom Cusk into the roof of the goal over the shoulder of the keeper. A real goal of the season contender. Sellers had a chance to score from a short corner but lost his footing in the worsening conditions but Carlin fired home a short corner to put the hosts in charge. He doubled his tally with nine minutes left to put the game beyond doubt. A very late Bourne consolation could not take the gloss off an outstanding performance.
With Ely and March both losing a Kettering win at home to Cambridge Vets tomorrow will see Kettering promoted.