The Pilgrims needed their powers of recovery after falling behind to quickfire efforts from Connor Kennedy and Decarrey Sheriff in the 39th and 40th minutes respectively.

Burrow drew United back into contention in the 59th minute and Shiels restored parity four minutes later with a bullet header.

The result extended United’s unbeaten run to seven matches, while Kettering stretched their good run to just one defeat in their last 11 contests.

Chances were at a premium early on, although Adam Collin was required to save from Joe Leesley and Ross Fitzsimons kept out a Michael McGrath free-kick.

Ex-Pilgrim Ben Milnes teed up Kyle Perry, but the Kettering man miscued in front of goal and the chance was lost.

Kettering took the lead six minutes before the break when Collin’s long kick found its way through to KENNEDY to angle a low shot across Fitzsimons and into the far corner.

If Fitzsimons was a mere spectator for Kettering’s opener, he was culpable for their second goal a minute later as SHERIFF saw his angled drive creep through the keeper’s legs to double the Poppies’ lead.

United huffed and puffed at the start of the second half and eventually halved the deficit in the 59th minute when BURROW and Preston combined, with the former firing home from close-range.

It was Collin’s turn to be the goalkeeping villain four minutes later when he missed Leesley’s corner delivery and SHIELS powered home a firm header from six yards.

Boston (4-4-2): Ross Fitzsimons; Matt Tootle, Luke Shiels, Pierce Bird, Scott Duxbury; Terry Hawkridge (Jay Rollins 62), Connor Dimaio (Andi Thanoj 86), Tom Platt, Joe Leesley; Jordan Burrow, Fraser Preston (Jordan Thewlis 80). Subs (not used): Scott Garner, Paul Green.

Kettering (3-4-3): Adam Collin; Ryan Fryatt, Michael McGrath, Connor Johnson; Michael Richens, Ben Milnes, Connor Kennedy, Gary Stohrer; Decarrey Sheriff, Kyle Perry (Liam Hughes 69), Callum Powell. Subs (not used): Sam Jones, Ben Stephens, Khallem Bailey-Nicholls, Jevan Anderson.

Referee: Aaron Bannister.

Attendance: Behind-Closed-Doors.

Photography: Russell Dossett.