The Poppies produced their best display of the pre-season programme as they came from a goal down to beat a youthful Birmingham City side 2-1 at the A-Line Arena yesterday.

Loan signings Alfie Potter, who has joined initially until the end of December from Peterborough United, and Owain Warlow, who has arrived for a month from Lincoln City, both played key roles in Cooper's new-look line-up.

Potter produced an energetic and skilful display on the right wing while Warlow grew in confidence and grabbed Kettering's equaliser from the opposite flank.

And, while Cooper was happy with the overall display, he heaped praise on the two new boys.

"In a funny kind of way I was hoping Birmingham would send a team like that because they run around and make it difficult for you," the Poppies boss said.

"I was pleased with the performance. We looked reasonably solid defensively and we were a threat going forward.

"Having the two new boys in just shows that if you get some young legs in the team then it helps you get up the pitch a bit instead of being camped in like we were against Leicester.

"It's no disrespect to the guys who didn't play. It's just we have been looking for that extra bit of pace and ability that Alfie has got and Owain is also quick.

"It enabled us to play the game in the middle of the pitch instead of our own half."

The young Blues side were in front after just three minutes when referee Andy Woolmer awarded them a penalty for a tug on a shirt and Sone Aluko beat trialist goalkeeper Phil Palethorpe – filling in for Lee Harper who had a slight shoulder injury – from the spot.

Potter had two efforts saved but Kettering drew level when Warlow fired home after a long throw from Exodus Geohaghon wasn't dealt with.

And the Poppies won it with 20 minutes to go when Warlow's cross fell to Darren Wrack whose overhead kick set up Gareth Seddon who smashed home a magnificent volley.

Kettering also sent a mixed squad to Shepshed Dynamo on Saturday, running out 4-3 winners.

Cooper completed 90 minutes as two goals each by Jean-Paul Marna and
trialist Daryl Taylor earned the away victory.