Poppies hit back to inflict third straight defeat

Despite twice taking the lead, the Puritans lost 3-2 against Kettering Town in Tuesday’s first round tie at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

United took a third minute lead against a much-changed Poppies’ side when Giorgio Rasulo converted a spot-kick following a handball offence in the penalty area. But Town equalised in the 28th minute through the experienced Brett Solkhon who headed home from six yards.

United regained the lead six minutes before the interval with Rasulo scoring his second spot-kick following another handball offence.

But Kettering turned it around in the second half with Andrea Borg equalising in the 70th minute when he latched on to a long pass and managed to beat Jack Harding from close range. Michael Richens grabbed the winner eight minutes later when picked the ball up on the right and cut inside before beating Harding with low shot into the far corner of the net.