Lewes

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Kettering boss Mark Cooper

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Kettering 1-0 Lewes

Kettering Town kept their play-off aspirations alive with a narrow victory over rock-bottom Lewes at the Dripping Pan on Tuesday evening.

Jean-Paul Marna's first-half goal was enough to see off the challenge of the Rooks and consigned them to a 16th successive league defeat.

The Poppies made a flying start to the game with Darren Wrack coming close with a effort from just outside the penalty area in the fifth minute.

Kettering continued to press for the opener and finally got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 24th minute when Marna converted a Gareth Seddon cross at the far post.

Seddon had a chance to double his side's advantage just before the interval but Lewes goalkeeper Rikki Banks was on hand to deny him.

Lewes gave a better account of themselves after the half-time break and came close to netting an equaliser in the 57th minute.

Shaun Wilkinson made an impressive run into the box and fired a powerful shot at goal which was turned around the post by Kettering goalkeeper Lee Harper.

In fact, Harper had to be on his toes in the closing stages of the match as a committed Lewes pushed hard for an equaliser.

He did well to deny David Wheeler's powerful long-range shot in the 68th minute and will be pleased with his performance on the night.

Marna had a great opportunity to double his and Kettering's tally in the 75th minute but missed the target with a shot from just outside the box.

Kettering bookings: Beardsley.

Lewes bookings: Shaun Wilkinson.

Ref: S Procter-Green (Lincolnshire).

Att: 867.