Joe Nyahwema and George Atwal slotted away calm finishes of their own in the second half before Bruno Andrade netted a consolation for the hosts late on.

Brad Munn opted to make three changes from the side that fell to defeat in mid-week – Luke Martin returned in defence, whilst Nyahwema began in place of James Spruce out wide, and Bertram made an uncommon start up front.

The game began with a competitive streak, as both sides were looking to start with an advantage, but that ultimately meant that the ball was contested in midfield through the opening 10 minutes.

It was not until the 14th minute that Thomas Scott let fire for the hosts with a half volley towards the bottom left corner, however, Ross Durrant did exceptionally well to change feet, dive and tip the ball around the post.

Five minutes later, Kane Richards came close for the hosts with an arrowed header from point-blank range, but once again Durrant pulled off an incredible reaction save to deny the Poppies.

In the 33rd minute, down the opposite end of the pitch, Bertram found the opener with a superb, composed finish. Nyahwema battled to snatch the ball off the defender on the by-line and drill a low cross for Bertram to control and find the back of the Kettering net.

With a spring in their step, the Blues came close moments later through Callum Cocks – the fullback looked to find the far post with a cross-shot but ended up smashing the crossbar and almost troubling Dan Jezeph.

It was then Andrew Wright’s turn to have a shot on goal for the Blues from the edge of the area. The midfielder picked up the ball and simply let fire but missed the target by a matter of inches.

Kettering, however, had the last chance of the first half as Lathaniel Lowe-Turner redirected Lewis White’s arrowed header with a low strike towards goal, although Durrant stood firm once again to ensure the Blues led at the break.

Nyahwema then confirmed comfortability for the Blues at the start of the second half, as he snatched the ball off the defender once again and struck the ball underneath the committed Jezeph to double United’s lead.

Mid-way through the second half, both sides had big opportunities to add to the two goals already scored.

The first fell for Kettering when Tyrone Lewthwaite troubled Durrant with a half bicycle kick, but the Blues’ shot-stopper was equal to it.