How the Poppies were put in their place
The first ever Conference derby between
Kettering and the Diamonds turned out to be a one sided affair,
not that the Diamonds were complaining. The Poppies' small squad
was stretched to the limits by injuries and suspensions while
the Diamonds put on their best performance of the Season.
New coach Brian Talbot played a 4-4-2 formation with Kenny Cramman
at left back. It took a mere seven minutes to prove an effective
plan as ex Poppies hero Carl Alford head home David Leworthy's
cross.
There was much to admire in Diamonds first half performance
but there were signs that had the Poppies' attack been more
creative they might have posed problems. The first time they
got behind the Diamonds back line they scored to reduce the
arrears after Brendan Hackett had put the Diamonds two up after
36 minutes.
The crowd of 4,638 might have expected Kettering to learn from
this, but it was the Poppies who wilted. Trailing 2-1 at half
time, Kettering were finished off by Leworthy's spectacular
40 yarder on the hour. A defensive lapse gave Leworthy a second
and Garry Butterworth's first goal of the Season seven minutes
from time was the icing on the cake for the away fans who had
made the short trip up the A6.
It remains to be seen whether this was a one off performance
but with the back four growing in confidence, the quartet in
midfield controlling the play and the front men always looking
dangerous, Diamonds looked a class act. If they continue to
play like this there will surely be Conference football at Nene
Park next Season. |
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