In truth, the Poppies were well worth their victory after an energetic first-half display and once again they could have been out of sight by half-time.

There's something about this team that Mark Cooper has assembled. They have a real mix of youth and experience and all the impressive aspects were on show again at the A-Line Arena.

For long spells before the break they battered Graham Westley's team and, although Stevenage put the pressure on after half-time, the Poppies were never really troubled.

Of course, for a team in Kettering's position as new boys, it's far too early to talk about what this side might be capable of.

But wins over Stevenage, Cambridge United and a draw against Rushden & Diamonds have already gone a long way to prove they will not be out of their depth.

Things didn't start particularly well for Gary Mills on his return to Kettering as he was forced off with a facial injury after just nine minutes following a late boot from Guy Branston. And the Poppies rubbed salt into the wounds by taking the lead five minutes later.

Nicky Eaden's free-kick was controlled in the area by Craig Westcarr.
The former Stevenage man laid it off for Chris Beardsley who made no mistake by firing low past Chris Day.

The visitors responded well in a fast and furious opening half with Daryl McMahon testing Lee Harper with a 30-yard free-kick while Lawrie Wilson drove another long-range effort just wide.

But the Poppies continued to have the lion's share of possession and Ronnie Henry was lucky not to put through his own net as his clearance smashed into Day.

The chances kept coming and Gareth Seddon saw a header drift just wide before Westcarr forced Day into a smart save after cutting in from the left-wing.

Things were scrappy after the break but it was Stevenage who forced the issue. Harper saved well with his legs to deny Scott Laird after a nice passing move and Darren Wrack took the ball off the toe of Steve Morison as the striker shaped to shoot.

The visitors had more of the ball. But the Poppies had a wonderful chance to wrap it up with seven minutes to go when Brett Solkhon fired over from just seven yards out.

Westcarr also shot over. But there were few other chances at as the Poppies defence snuffed out any openings.

So Kettering remain unbeaten and maybe after this win over the title favourites other teams will start having a cautious look over their
shoulders.

Have your say on tonight's match by either commenting on this story, emailing us on yourshout@northantsnews.co.uk or texting ETSHOUT followed by your message to 81800.

For a full report and reaction don't miss Wednesday's Evening Telegraph