The first half of the season has presented its challenges to Kettering Town following their relegation into the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central at the end of last term.
But Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Halesowen Town, alongside the 2-0 triumph over high-flying Mickleover towards the end of last month has given plenty of hope that The Poppies can start climbing up the table and it’s a view shared by Sam Bennett who scored a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time at the weekend.
“Saturday was extremely positive for us,” said Bennett, without hesitation. “Our whole performance was very good and the last minute goal just topped it off!
“I had missed the 1 v 1 which led to the corner and then scored a volley when the ball was delivered into the box. I just remember seeing it hit the back of the net and running to the fans, it was a great feeling!
“We are very confident going into the second half of the season. Our team is building and so is the club generally. We are starting to pick up good results away from home, we just need to start picking up more points at home; the recent victory over Mickleover showed what we are capable of.
“I’d say that my personal performances have been okay. I’ve already had a few knocks and injuries which has meant I’ve been in and out of the team, but I am getting back towards full fitness and hopefully more goals will follow.
“This is a tough League and there are some very good players in it who have played at higher levels. It’s brilliant to be able to test yourself against them; what I have noticed is how well-organised each opponent is, the teams at this level certainly know what they are doing!”
Kettering start a busy run of fixtures at home to Redditch United on Saturday before heading to St. Ives Town on Boxing Day and then welcoming Stratford Town on New Year’s Day.
“The games are starting to come thick and fast now,” added Bennett, who cut his football teeth within the youth ranks at Cambridge United. “It’s hard but can be massive for clubs who have momentum with so many points up for grabs.
“The three points that we picked up last weekend will give us plenty of added confidence to take into Saturday’s game and if we can add to it with another victory, it will make a big difference to our League position over Christmas.
“As we look ahead to the second half of the season, we just want to keep adding to our tally so that we can get into a secure position and then we will be able to start playing with a bit more freedom.
“There are still a lot of points to play for, so you never know what can happen. My wish for the New Year is to keep scoring goals and stay fit.”
The club has partnered with local charity, Encompass, for Saturday’s game to raise awareness and donations for local homeless people. Encompass provide accommodation, foodbanks and a rehab unit for those less fortunate in the Northamptonshire area and rely on donations to keep their operation going.
The Poppies will be playing in their away kit, to help raise awareness of those without a home this Christmas, whilst there will be collection buckets and QR codes for donations, no matter how big or small, around the ground.
“I think it’s massive that football clubs with a big following and impact on people can promote causes that want to help people whatever their situation,” added Bennett. “This weekend we’ll be making people aware of the great work that Encompass do locally and hopefully helping to raise some much-needed funds for them.
“As well as being a happy time, Christmas can also be extremely tough for some.”
IMAGE: Kettering Town FC
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