Guy Branston headed home his first goal for the Poppies from David Galbraith's sixth-minute cross.

But it took until two minutes from full-time for Mark Cooper's side to double their advantage through substitute Chris Hanna.

Kettering wasted a series of clear-cut chances - particularly through Chris Beardsley and new signing Gareth Seddon.

Beardsley's header rebounded off the bar while FC United striker Nick Robinson saw an effort disallowed for a foul at the start of the second half.

The Poppies finally got a second goal as Brett Solkhon released Jean-Paul Marna who unselfishly squared for Hanna, on trial after being released by Walsall, to tap into an empty net.

Meanwhile Fazel Koriya's last-minute strike earned Rothwell Town a 2-1 win at Cogenhoe United in their second pre-season game.

Jed Ainge gave the UCL Premier Division side the lead in the first half but David Glass equalised after half-time for the Bones.

Corby Town suffered their first defeat of pre-season after going down 2-0 at UniBond League outfit Eastwood Town.

Wellingborough Town also won 2-0 against Leyton at the Dog & Duck.

Jason Burnham's opening home game in charge got off to a perfect start with a first-minute goal. The Doughboys doubled their advantage before the break.

Other results: Burton Park Wanderers 6 Harrowby 1, Deal 0 Raunds 3, Earls Barton 2 Rushden & Higham 6, Harborough 2 Rothwell Corinthians 2, Oundle 1 Blackstones 14, S&L 2 Cottesmore 1, Whitworths 1 Daventry Town 2.

Full reaction, pictures and much more in Sport on Monday