Pitchero Non League

Ashley Westwood

....remainder of the Blue Square Bet Premier season.

The Poppies are facing up to life at a lower level after their relegation was confirmed following the depressing 3-0 home defeat to Mansfield Town last Saturday.

That was followed up by a 2-0 loss at Cambridge United on Easter Monday as Kettering had goalkeeper Kelvin Jack sent-off for deliberate handball.

Westwood, who has been in caretaker-charge since January, has already admitted the Poppies were not good enough in their bid to fight the drop.

But he has guaranteed his team will pick up a win in their last three matches and he will also, no doubt, hope that a good finish will boost his chances of taking the full-time manager’s job at Nene Park for which the search has already been started by George Rolls.

“There has been plenty that has gone against us but these things are in the hands of the Gods,” Westwood said.

“But it won’t stop us from fighting for points and trying our best.

“And I can guarantee that there will be a win or two before the end of the season.”

Westwood didn’t feature in Monday’s defeat as he served a one-match ban following his sending-off against Mansfield Town.

But he will be available for Saturday’s clash at play-off chasing Kidderminster Harriers and he is hoping others will also be back.

Jerel Ifil could return after a hamstring problem while Sol Davis, Djoumin Sangare, Phil Ifil and Aman Verma are also on the sidelines but there was a return for Jaime Navarro late on at Cambridge.

And Westwood confirmed goalkeeper Laurie Walker will be fit to replace Jack, who is now also suspended for one game.

“Laurie is fit and he will go straight back in,” Westwood said.

“But Ben Joyce has picked up an ankle injury so he will probably be out.

“There is a chance Jerel could be fit but we need to try to get our best players on the pitch and hopefully we can do that for the weekend.”

Tags: News | Kettering Town

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