TWO first-half Kettering goals in the space of six minutes and a further one in the second period saw Leiston leave Latimer Park with a 0-3 defeat on Tuesday night, writes Craig Cooper.

After the encouraging 2-2 draw with Halesowen Town on opening day, the Blues went into the game in confident mood. But by half-time and with goals from Nile Ranger and Alfie Lewis already in the bag, the home side eyed the three points.

And they were proved right, with Kai Fifield following up Ranger’s penalty save by Blues ‘keeper Billy Johnson 17 minutes from time, to make it three.

It leaves Chris Wigger’s men with one point from their opening two games, with their next clash at Banbury United on Saturday.

Willie Clemons and Ben Fowkes (both injured) missed the game so Ronnie Blois came in for a first league start while Joe McNeil took his place on the bench.

Leiston did well for the first half hour. Wyatt Hill won a corner after two minutes but Ryan Jarvis volleyed well wide of Jason Alexander’s left-hand upright.

Johnson made a good save at his near post on seven minutes before Leiston broke up the park and on eight minutes, Joao Rangel’s ball from the Blues right was met by Adam Mills but Alexander saved the player’s effort well.

Ranger tested Johnson on ten minutes but the striker’s header was straight at the Blues custodian. Alfie Lewis and Levi Andoh were off target before Seb Dunbar went down and players stopped for drinks with the Blues captain receiving treatment.

However, two minutes later in the 30th minute, Kettering took the lead. Former Blue, Jamar Loza jinxed and weaved down the Blues left and pulled the ball across goal for Ranger to tap home into an empty net.

Moments later, Johnson did well to claw away a loose ball ahead of Loza, with the home team appealing for a penalty in the process.

The second goal though came just minutes later as Lewis struck from distance and the ball went into Johnson’s bottom corner, after the Blues lost possession in midfield.

Kettering remained the dominate team until the half was out.

Rangel shot high and wide four minutes into the second half after Blois won a free kick down the Blues right flank.

Stanley then forced Johnson into a fine save to his right a couple of minute later before on 56 minutes Loza shot straight at Johnson after the hosts picked up a ball from a long Jason Alexander kick forward.

Leiston kept plugging away but Kettering’s defence was proving hard to break down.

At the other end, the game was put to bed on 74 minutes when sub Fifield was first to a loose ball after Johnson made a good save to deny Ranger from the penalty spot.

Billy Walsh stung the hands of Jason Alexander late on as the Blues' substitute produced a good effort.

FT: Kettering Town 3 Blues 0

Line-ups;

Kettering Town: Jason Alexander, Andoh, Flynn (Crowther 82 mins), Forsyth, Glennon, Thanoj (Corrigan 46 mins), Ranger (White 87 mins), Loza (Fifield 70 mins), Stanley, Oppong (York 75 mins), Lewis.

Blues: Johnson, Hill (Batho 77 mins), Dunbar, Callan-McFadden, Jackson, Rangel, Fraser Alexander, Blois, Jack Manly (Frostick 77 mins), Mills (McNeil 68 mins), Jarvis (Walsh 77 mins). Sub not used: Mehew (GK).

Man Of The Match: Billy Johnson

Attendance: 1368