Halesowen Town 0 Kettering Town 1 - Report
Halesowen's relegation was finally confirmed as Kettering were crowned
champions of the Premier Division Central following a narrow victory.
Sam Dallow burst forward in the 5th minute as the Yeltz made an encouraging
start. But tricky Kettering wide-man Rhys Hoenes created the first real
chance when he weaved his way into the home penalty area after 8 minutes and
his shot was blocked for a corner.
The league leaders stretched play across the park to strike their 19th
minute winner when Dion Kelly-Evans crossed from the right for Hoenes to
guide the ball beyond goalkeeper Dan Platt.
With goal-shy Halesowen failing to register a first-half attempt on target,
it was the Poppies who turned the screw with further chances before the
interval. Dan Holman hit high over the bar in the 36th minute and a 45th
minute shot from Lindon Meikle was saved by Platt with his legs. Platt then
beat away another Meikle shot in first half stoppage time.
At the start of the second period visiting captain Michael Richens struck at
Platt and then just failed to connect properly with Marcus Kelly's 52nd
minute corner. Halesowen's Aaron Birch played a short 55th minute corner for
Kartel O'Neill-Martin to cross along goal, but the Poppies continued to
create the better chances with Platt saving Holman's effort from close range
in the 59th minute.
Platt continued to restrict Kettering to a solitary goal with a fine late
display of goalkeeping. The in-form goalkeeper made a great double save in
the 81st minute to save Marcus Kelly's 20 yard free-kick and then somehow
repositioned himself to keep out substitute Brett Solkhon's header from the
rebound.
Yeltz substitute Aaron Gilpin found space but blazed high in the 87th minute
in a rare chance from the hosts. But it was Platt who was again in fine form
to deny the Poppies as the home defence opened up in the dying minutes.
Holman struck a low 90th minute shot at Platt and Platt then blocked Marcus
Kelly.
Platt made yet another good block from Derek O'Connor in the second minute
of stoppage time but the Poppies had already done enough to land the league
title and their celebrations soon began surrounded by their large following
of jubilant supporters.
Teams:
Halesowen Town: Dan Platt; Enock Ekongo, Sam Griffiths, Ivor Lawton, Kieran
Morris (c), Callam Mendez-Jones, Sam Dallow (Aaron Gilpin 65), Aaron Birch,
Jamie Molyneux (Isai Marselia 66), Kartel O'Neill-Martin, Jack Kelly (Lee
Hughes 82). Subs Not Used: Samir Nabi, Asa Charlton.
Kettering Town: Paul White; Michael Richens (c), Lindon Meikle, Derek
O'Connor, Dan Holman, Rhys Hoenes (Ben Milnes 71), Dion Kelly-Evans (Gary
Stohrer 32), Marcus Kelly, Declan Towers, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Craig
Stanley (Brett Solkhon 74). Subs Not Used: James Brighton, Ben Toseland.
Referee: Ben Cooke Attendance: 938