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Match Report

Today's Ball Sponsor: Pat Jux and family

IN A NUTSHELL:

After a decent first half for the Poppies, they went in front with a Wilson Carvalho penalty on 18 minutes and had good chances to extend their lead. They then lost their way, and their legs, in the last 20 minutes of the second half, and were pegged back by Kris Miller's 75th minute penalty. After that it was the visitors who looked most likely to win as they missed a couple of clear cut chances.

THE KETTERING SQUAD:

Liam Bateman had not recovered from an injury sustained at Chippenham and was replaced by Dom Langdon. Bleu McNeil came in on the bench.

HOW THE GAME UNFOLDED:

On a very cold evening, the pitch looked very good after the recent flooding and Kettering attacked the Morrisons end.

The Poppies made a bright start against Frome who have been totally changed by the new Manager in an effort to get out of the bottom four- with some better results being seen.

On his home debut, Spencer Weir-Daley saw a couple of early shots saved by experienced keeper, Darren Chitty- the second after a piercing run by Dom Langdon. Brett Solkhon saw an effort blocked at a corner and then Weir-Daley saw his header hit the post from Howe's cross.

Kettering were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute as Rene Howe's cross hit a hand. Wilson Carvalho converted although Chitty got a firm touch on the ball but could not prevent the ball going in.

Frome's first real effort came in the 28th minute as Marcus Mapstone headed wide from a free kick. Then George Miller fired a low shot just wide of the left post. It was his last action of the game as he was replaced by Jake Jackson in the 35th minute as Frome reverted, positively, to 2 strikers.

Kettering engineered two really good chances as the half came to a close. First, Rene Howe's turn and shot was very well saved by Chitty, and then the keeper made another fine save as he kept out Liam Canavan's shot.

The Poppies had the first attempt on goal in the second half as Howe set up Canavan, and the left foot volley was just wide of the left post. Carvalho saw a shot blocked before Frome had their best chance to date.

The pacy James Fitzgibbon on the left went past Langdon and Solkhon and Craig Hill was forced to make his first real save as he came off his line. He the saved Fitzgibbon's shot following the resultant corner.

For Kettering, Weir-Daley had a great chance on the hour when, finding himself with only Chitty to beat, he poked the ball straight at the keeper. Carvalho then crossed low from the right and Howe connected well-but shot wide of the right post.

Frome began to take control of the game as Kettering wilted and Kris Miller shot wide from a decent position. Then full back, Jordan Walker, up for a set piece, found himself with a clear chance. However, under pressure from a defender he fluffed his shot.

Frome equalised on 75 minutes. Gary Mulligan impeded the impressive Mitchell Page and Kris Miller sent Hill the wrong way with the penalty.

At this stage there looked only one winner as the Poppies visibly tired. Hill tipped over a Page header with 10 minutes to go. Both teams used their full allocation of substitutes, and Elliot Sandy, on for Weir-Daley, saw a shot blocked and James Brighton fired the rebound just over the bar.

In added time, Fitzgibbon fired over for Frome before a great chance for substitute Josh Jeffries saw him make a complete hash in front of goal with only Hill to beat.

The Poppies now entertain Dunstable on Saturday 20th at 3pm and Dorchester on Tuesday 23rd at 7.45pm.Please come and support the team.

Full Time: Kettering Town 1 - 1 Frome Town

Attendance: 425

Poppies man of the match: James Brighton

Yellow cards: Kettering: Pepe-N'Goma,70; Frome: Teale,42;Roberts,46;Kris Miller,88.

Substitutions: Kettering: Sandy for Weir-Daley,73;Grocott for Carruthers 80: Baker for Canavan 80. Frome: Jackson for George Miller,35; Steve Hulbert for Hobbs 66;Josh Jeffries for Kris Miller 90+1.

Klondike: £120 number 4211. Winner: Congratulations to Simon Goodman.