Poppies Suffer Third Successive Defeat

There were three matches in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central on Monday night.

And it saw Kettering Town, relegated from the Vanarama National League North at the end of last season, suffer a third successive defeat – this time at the UK FLOORING DIRECT Stadium against a Barwell side for whom this was a second win to remain unbeaten and move to the top of the fledgling table.

In front of a decent crowd of 428, the Canaries took a 27th minute lead through Tom Cursons.

And the hosts held that advantage until the 57th minute when Beck-Ray Enoru doubled their lead.

Then, just 4 minutes later, striker Dan Holman, who had two spells with the Poppies, added Barwell’s third.

The visitors threatened a late comeback with a 79th minute Lewis White effort and then one from Ty Lewthwaite 2 minutes into stoppage time, but the home side held firm.

AFC Telford United, who came down with Kettering, shared a 1-1 draw with Redditch United at the Trico Stadium.

The Bucks drew first blood when they were awarded a penalty 4 minutes before half-time which Montel Gibson duly converted.

The crowd of 432 saw Redditch eventually pull back on level terms in the 71st minute when AJ George's free-kick eluded everyone and Ryan Wollacott scored at the far post.

It was the same outcome at the quattro tech Westwood Road where St Ives Town and AFC Sudbury drew 1-1.

The hosts took a 17th minute lead when Brandon Njoku headed Michael Richens` free-kick past James Bradbrook in the visitors` goal.

Jordan Williams came close to doubling Ives` lead but his header hit the bar.

Then, 3 minutes from half-time, Jake Turner headed the league new boys back on level terms.

And Marc Abbott’s side held out for a hard-earned point, despite having summer signing Josh Okpolokpo dismissed for a second yellow card.