Gordon's 37th minute spot-kick handed United the lead - only for ex-Pilgrim Ben Sault to equalise three minutes into first half stoppage time, after Gordon had rattled the crossbar in between times.

United were awarded a second penalty moments after half-time - but he was denied by keeper Cameron Gregory.

Chances were at a premium during a tight and cagey start - with Salford City loanee Colin Oppong firing the first real effort of note wide with Gregory walkabout from his goal.

Jordon Crawford had two close calls before United took the lead eight minutes before half-time - with GORDON rolling the ball home from the spot after ex-Pilgrim Brad Gascoigne had fouled Lebrun Mbeka.

Gordon crashed a subsequent effort against Gregory's crossbar after cutting in from the left - but the Poppies were level three minutes into first half stoppage time when SAULT slammed the ball home at the back post after Rhys Sharpe's long throw had been flicked on.

United were awarded another penalty within moments of the restart following Lewis White's foul on Oppong - but Gordon saw his second spot-kick kept out by Gregory's legs.

For all their second half endeavours, United struggled to create clear-cut openings, with substitute Micah Obiero going closest in the 89th minute with a rising drive that cleared Gregory's crossbar.

Boston (4-3-3): Sam Long; Keenan Ferguson, Luke Shiels (Jean Leroy Belehouan 27), Ben Pollock, Joe Leesley; Will Atkinson, Lebrun Mbeka, Scott Pollock; Jordon Crawford, Colin Oppong (Micah Obiero 71), Jaanai Gordon. Subs (not used): Ellis Myles, Alex Brown, Tom Solanke.

Kettering (4-4-2): Cameron Gregory; Lewis White, Brad Gascoigne, George Cooper, Rhys Sharpe; Ben Sault, Gary Stohrer, Ethan Hill, Harry Reilly (Andrew Oluwabori 65); Jordan Graham (Andre Wright 86), Sam Bennett (Keaton Ward 72). Subs (not used): Ben Toseland, Decarrey Sheriff.

Referee: Gareth Thomas.

Attendance: 1,848 (247 visitors).

PIC: Tim Hoff.