Match Report - Kettering Town FC 1 - 1 SCTFC

Toothy made one change from the side that beat Lincoln last week with Shaw coming back into the team after suspension, and replacing Ahenkorah.

It was a glorious day at Latimer Park, where Sutton took on Kettering Town in this 2nd round FA cup qualifier.

Sutton started the brightest and nearly opened the scoring on 3 minutes when Shaw broke into the box one on one with the keeper, but White collected the ball before he could get a shot off.

Okoro then took Suttons first corner of the game, the ball went into the box but got caught between Beresford’s legs, and before he could get his shot away the Kettering defence cleared the ball.

It was all Sutton at this point and what with the Ultras noise and Suttons fast attacking play the Kettering lads looked shell shocked.

11 minutes in and Marselia broke down the wing following a pass from Beresford beating the oncoming defender and slotting a low ball into the bottom corner. 1-0 Sutton.

Kettering had their first opportunity on 22 minutes when Solkhon headed the ball towards goal, but luckily for Sutton it was straight into the arms of Gwilliams.

Okoro went wide, beat the defender for pace and put a ball in the box, but unfortunately for Sutton the defence was equal to it.

0n 29 minutes it was disaster for Sutton, Stohrer was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Nti stepped up and fired to the left of Gwilliams and scored. Gwilliams almost got a hand to it but the power was just too much for Gwilliams to keep it out.

Kettering started to come back at Sutton with Milnes volleying just over the bar and Nti, whose shot was also just off target.

Gwilliams made another fine save just before half time as Kennedy hit a shot which he palmed out for a corner.

The second half started slow with the ball stuck in midfield, Sutton were sitting back and putting the ball long to Marselia who tried to run onto the ball but was just piped to the ball by the out-rushing keeper.

Shaw was taken off with Ahenkorah taking his place in a bid to push for the winning goal.

65 minutes in and Sutton gifted another penalty! Nti struck it in the same area as his earlier pen, but this time Gwilliams was ready and made an excellent diving save.

Okoro came off on 80 minutes to be replaced by Romario. It was fresh legs to try and get some grip on the game.

It was all Kettering as they put pressure on Sutton’s defence, but they collectively stood strong till the final whistle to earn themselves a replay at Coles lane on Tuesday night.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible as the Royals look to progress to the third round of the qualifiers.

Come on you Royals.