The U's shared the points with Kettering for the second time this season as they drew 1-1 once again. Franny Green's first half goal had raised hopes of a return to the top of the table but a swift retort from James Dance meant honours even in a hard fought game.

United were clearly pumped up from the outset and two early long throws from Lewis Chalmers caused problems for the Poppies while Bulman and the returning Green were both sent sprawling in or around the box without United benefitting directly.

They almost found the breakthrough on 17 as Green whipped in a vicious cross from the left which the also recalled Jack Midson was a boot stud's length away from converting at full stretch inside the six yard box, but there were signs of why Kettering have the best away record in the division as they soaked up pressure and looked to spring forward at speed. One swift break after 28 minutes ended with Kwesi Appiah dragging his shot wide from twelve yards out, although some robust challenges also earned two yellow cards in the first half hour (three and some talking to's for Kettering by half time and a further flurry in the second half) and some bruised shins for The U's.

On Tuesday night United came unstuck courtesy of one of their old boys, so what better way to get that crucial breaktrough than via one of Kettering's? Even sweeter for the home fans it came after Nathan Abbey had had a good talking to for time wasting. Abbey kicked the eventual goal kick long, Chalmers returned it towards him, Deering rose impressively to flick on a header and Green was on his way. Abbey came out but the former Poppy was too quick and nicked it to his right with one touch then lifted it home with his second. A first league goal for Green and fully deserved for a performance full of industry and selfless running.

What United needed to do was hold the lead  until half time, but on 42 they were undone by a set piece. Marcus Kelly won a corner with a wicked cross which United dealt with well, but Kelly's corner was met by the unchallenged James Dance who slammed his header past Ryan Clarke and covering defenders on the line to make it 1-1.

There was comedy before half time as Jordan Hadfield presumed the game had stopped for a foul and picked the ball up when he had a clear run at goal if he'd played on; ref Merchant awarded a free kick for handball against him instead, but the equaliser had wiped far more smiles off faces than that moment had produced.

United had shown plenty of commitment but lacked a cutting edge and within seven minutes of the restart there was a reshuffle to allow Matt Green and John Grant to join the attack. The crowd sensed that their team needed them and raised the noise levels up a notch but the final ball in (from open play or set pieces) wasn't quite there and frustration continued to grow as Kettering stayed strong.

On 70 minutes a late flag for offside robbed The U's a cast iron penalty after Grant was tripped in the area as the game went on, but that was a rare flash of danger in front of the Poppies goal. There was plenty of niggle, plenty of yellow cards and raised tempers but that crucial chance just would not come. Grant nicked a header over the bar in injury time but Abbey had rarely been stretched despite United's best intentions.

Eleven games to go now, each one crucial. United need you for every minute from now on in.

Att:5,836

Away: 244

Report by Chris Williams

Fifty/50 winning number: 86001 (£1,144.50)

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