Didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to Skeggy.....
A 2 1/2 hour trip with an overnight stay meant Kettering were determined to leave with a positive result. As one would expect at the seaside the pitch was very sandy an Kettering concentrated on getting plenty of pace on the ball. The first half was one of Kettering domination and stout Alford resistance that was finally broken when Dom Cusk, who is improving every week, fired home into the bottom corner. Grant Carlin doubled the lead shortly afterwards. Chances came and Paul Donnelly forced a double save from the busy home keeper.
Alford came out of their shells in the second half and from an Alford short corner Kettering quickly counter attacked and Carlin was on hand to fire in his second. Keeper Barry Coe produced a decent save from a drag flick but Alford got a foothold in the game when Neil Freeman was unable to keep out another Alford short. Although still well in control of the game Kettering made the game more exciting than it should have been when following a goalmouth scramble Alford pulled another back. Kettering stormed straight up the other end and Mark Hawkins shot was deflected home. Kettering had numerous chances in the second half but could not apply the finishing touch. A good three points gained keep Kettering at the top of 4NW against a side who are hard to beat at home and played above their current league position.
Next week sees Kettering at home to Cambridge South, 3pm start at KLV.