Match Report

Kettering Town U-18’s progressed through to the Second round of the Northants Senior Youth League Cup after a comfortable 7-2 win over Desborough Town, on Thursday night.

Desborough started brightly as 6 was able to poke home from close range just after 12 minutes, but Kettering fought back and were able to equalise through a penalty from from skipper, Jack Whittle, 7 minutes later.

From then on, each side were fighting for possession and were unable to take their chances until Scott McGann was able to find the back of the net, after a good run Ben Bradshaw just before the break.

It was The Poppies who started the second half brightly as they scored two minutes later, thanks to goal a from Calvin Owusu.

The hosts continued to press well and it paid off as two quick fire goals from Matt Pickard put the young Poppies out of reach, but Desborough were able to pull one back through number 22 after Micky Kirby dropped the ball into his own net.

After their goal, Desborough continued to pile on the pressure by creating more chances and played the better football, but were unable to reduce the deficit. Darren Long's men, against the run of play, scored through Ben Bradshaw after the striker's well taken long range shot in the 69th minute.

Into the final minutes of the game, The Poppies finished off the Arn Tarn as Ashanti Rowe slotted the ball past the goalkeeper from close range.

At the end of the final whistle, Kettering were on top throughout the game, but that's not without saying Desborough played some good fluent football at times throughout the game.

Report By Lewis Deene