Kettering 5-1 Leadenham

Kettering travelled to RAF Cranwell to play a fixture that was postponed before Christmas knowing that a win would keep them on track at the top of 3NW. Leadenham proved a difficult nut to crack in the first round of games and proved so again this time round. Keen to make up for dropping points two weeks ago Kettering started very positively but could not make the breakthrough their play deserved. They did go ahead when Andy Sellers broke into the D and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. Although well on top of the game Leadenham’s forwards posed a threat and a breakaway saw them regain parity. They then had a chance to go ahead when a clumsy Paul Donnelly tackle saw the hosts awarded a penalty stroke. Keeper Jonathan Barry Coe did enough to put the striker off and his effort went wide. Kettering took this as a sign to up their intensity and another burst by Sellers saw his goal bound effort finished off by the lurking Mark Hawkins.
Knowing the next goal would be vital Kettering virtually settled the tie one minute into the second half when, having controlled possession, Grant Carlin fired home an unstoppable reverse stick shot. With Kettering now dominating proceedings they could afford to be more attacking and that gave Leadenham a couple of chances. It was the visitors who took their chances as Sellers completed his brace and Pat Cawley coolly converted a late penalty to put a gloss on proceedings.
With leaders Cambridge City surprisingly drawing at Peterborough Kettering see themselves top of 3NW with 5 games to go and in control of their destiny.
Next week Kettering travel to Spalding.