Close fought game

City can perhaps consider themselves unfortunate not to have come away with a draw as they were narrowly beaten 0-1 by Kettering Town.

A resolute, battling performance - much improved on the previous week - saw City hold their own against strong opponents who enjoyed a successful JPL campaign last season.

In a closely-fought game, most of key action came in the third quarter - including the visitors' best chance as Jamie Hill just failed to get the connection he needed to give his side the lead.

For the second game running, new centre-half Ben Taylor was outstanding as he stood firm to keep Town's powerful forward Pharrell Blyde relatively well shackled in a superb duel between the two players. Unfortunately City's gold award winner for the second weekend in succession succumbed to a head injury shortly before the hosts grabbed the only goal.

Disappointingly it came from a City free-kick in the Kettering half, which was cleared upfield where an unfortunate ricochet fell perfectly for Blyde to score with a decent finish.

Tough luck on City who can nevertheless take much heart from a spirited display.