The Shields really enjoyed their recent visit to Southern League Central Premier Division leaders Kettering Town, despite a late winner for visitors Alvechurch putting title celebrations on hold.

The afternoon began by meeting the Club Chairman Dave and Owner Ritchie, before our host for the day Phil Wade took us to the team dugouts for a photo opportunity, and then onto the Poppies TV studio, where we learned how the team broadcast commentary on their YouTube Channel and produce their match highlights package.

From there Phil took us back to the Clubhouse where we met the team preparing in the Changing Room. Star striker Aaron O'Connor was receiving some last minute treatment on the table whilst music blasted out from a massive speaker in the corner. We resisted the temptation to sneak a few Haribos from a table laden with sweets and fresh fruit, and made our way back onto the pitch.

Phil had marked off a section of the pitch for us to show off our skills, and a few Rabonas and Cruyff turns were demonstrated for the arriving crowd. The match was delayed for 10 minutes as a bumper crowd of 1,567 came through the turnstiles. This gave us a bit more time for some games on the pitch, and Phil then took us over to the Morrisons End of the ground where the majority of the "noisy" Kettering fans had congregated, for a few photos.

As kick off approached, the boys lined up in the tunnel and at 3:05 captain Michael Richens led the Poppies onto the pitch, with the Shields walking alongside them. Friendship handshakes with Alvechurch and the Match Officials took place, a few more photos were snapped, and the boys then walked off to applause from the Main Stand.

The game kicked off and the tension around the ground was obvious. Alvechurch took an early lead with a free header from a corner, and both goalkeepers made good saves. Alvechurch looked the better side and probably deserved their 1-0 lead at half time.

It was then up to The Shields to provide the half time entertainment with a Penalty Competition at the "Tin Hat" end of the ground. Their aim was to score as many penalties in five minutes as they could, with Rocky the Lion (The Poppies Mascot) trying to stop them. The Shields did well, scoring 26 times from 43 attempts.

We then put Owen in goal, to see how he fared against Rocky. Owen of course won the duel, saving two of Rocky's three attempts.

We returned to our seats for the second half and Kettering were soon on the attack and an equaliser quickly came. From a Marcus Kelly corner, Centre Back Craig Stanley managed to force the ball over the line. At 1-1, and with nearest rivals Stourbridge only drawing, all looked good for the title. However, with just two minutes remaining, and Stourbridge's game having already ended as a draw, a shot went through Stanley's legs which unsighted Paul White in the Kettering goal, the ball going through his legs too. Alvechurch got the win to help cement their play-off ambitions, whilst Kettering will have to wait a bit longer to secure the title.

After the game The Shields went into the Clubhouse bar, where they were able to get their matchday programmes signed by The Poppies. A few selfies were also taken, which was much appreciated given the obvious disappointment that the players must have felt.

We really enjoyed our day Latimer Park, despite the result, and we would thoroughly recommend the experience to any local junior sides. Many thanks to Phil Wade (Mascot Co-ordinator) for organising, Lewis Horne (Rocky the Lion), Paul Cooke (Poppies Media) and all the players and staff of Kettering Town FC.