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Rockingham Road

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Kettering 1-1 Oxford United

Kettering and Oxford played out a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night at Rockingham Road as both clubs preserved their unbeaten starts to the Blue Square Premier campaign.

Oxford started the brighter of the two sides as both Kevin Sandwith and Matt Green went close in the opening exchanges.

But it was the Poppies who opened the scoring as Damien Spencer's header into the box was latched onto by Jean-Paul Marna. The burly striker was subsequently brought down by the U's goalkeeper, Ryan Clarke and Marna picked himself up to convert the resulting penalty.

Kettering came back with a vengeance after they went down and after 20 minutes, a disputably awarded free kick resulted in a low delivery being met by Sandwith and the scores becoming level once more.

Oxford continued to pile pressure on the home side as Matt Green and Mark Creighton both went close for the visitors.

The Poppies finally stepped up their game late in the first half as Francis Green was expertly denied by Ryan Clarke from a trademark Exodus Geohaghon long throw. From the resulting corner both Ian Roper and Geohaghon almost connected to give their side lead.

Half time saw the sides go in level and both looking as if another goal was on the cards.

After 50 minutes Damien Foster had arguably the best chance of the second half as with only the keeper to beat he blasted his effort wide of the right hand upright.

Chances came and went for both sides for the remainder of the half as first Andre Boucaud went close for Kettering followed by Alfie Potter narrowly missing for the U's.

The game squng the way of Oxford in the 66th minute as Spencer was handed his second yellow card of the evening and was duly given his marching orders.

The Yellows failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as efforts went close but to no avail. The closest of the chances coming in the 90th minute as first James constable and then Alfie Potter couldn't convert chances, thanks to Lee Harper, that should have been taken.

Kettering bookings: Marna, Spencer, Eaden

Sent Off: Spencer (67)

Oxford bookings: Foster

Att: 2240

Ref: R Fletcher