Kettering Town 0-2 Boston United

The Pilgrims overcame Kettering Town 2-0 at Latimer Park courtesy of Jay Rollins’ 48th minute strike and Sam Cartwright’s 62nd minute own goal.

United had bossed the first period and got the goals they deserved after the break to bag their first maximum haul on the road since the final day of last season.

The Pilgrims were searching for their first away midweek league win since February 2016 but they found struggling Kettering a tough nut to crack.

United enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half but failed to create too many clear-cut openings, with Andi Thanoj denied from distance by home keeper Paul White.

Kettering twice went close at the end of the first half, with Mike McGrath heading over the bar following ex-Pilgrim Ben Milnes’ assist, before Milnes himself blazed over the bar from 20 yards.

United took the lead three minutes after the break when Tom Platt headed Nicky Walker’s deep corner against the crossbar and ROLLINS crashed home the loose ball to mark his return from suspension.

Peter Crook had to stick out a long leg to deny Lindon Meikle in response before United killed the contest with a crucial second goal.

Kettering partially cleared their lines, only for Walker to hook the ball goalwards and CARTWRIGHT to steer a looping header over his own keeper White.

Daniel Nti and Meikle were both repelled by Luke Shiels in quick succession before Nti charged down a Crook clearance, only to see substitute Brett Solkhon lift the loose ball wide of a gaping net.

United almost added a third goal when Shiels met Brad Abbott’s corner but his header flew wide.

Kettering (3-5-2): Paul White; Sam Cartwright (Javan Vidal 68), Joe Skarz, Mike McGrath; Gary Stohrer, Lindon Meikle, Ben Milnes, Marcus Kelly, James Brighton; Daniel Nti, Joe Carta (Brett Solkhon 68). Subs (not used): Luke Graham, Elliot Hodge, Alex Nimely.

Boston (4-3-3): Peter Crook; Karl Byrne, Luke Shiels, Simon Ainge, Alex Whittle; Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj, Tom Platt; Jay Rollins (Ashley Jackson 85), Dominic Knowles (Tom Clare 81), Nicky Walker (Jordan Thewlis 74). Subs (not used): Jordan Adebayo-Smith, George Willis (gk).

Referee: Richie Watkins.

Attendance: 835.