Hatters rated v Kettering

Dan Gleeson: 8 – Solid at the back and got forward at every opportunity.

Greg Taylor: 8 – Sound defensively and overlapping runs made a real difference, including winning a penalty.

Keith Keane: 8.5 – Bossed the midfield and his precision passing and go-forward mentality put the Poppies on the rack.

George Pilkington: 7 – Quiet afternoon and carried the ball forward effectively.

Alex Lawless: 8.5 – A real driving force in the middle of the park and richly deserved his goal.

Danny Crow: 8 – Led the line effectively and linked up the play with plenty of clever touches.

Aaron O’Connor: 8.5 – Pacy and committed performance put the Poppies under constant pressure, netted a fine header but should have scored from the spot.

Jake Howells: 8.5 – Was on fire in the opening stages, scored a cracking goal and a real shame a knock curtailed his afternoon.

Adam Watkins: 8 – Plenty of trickery and creativity and was desperately unlucky not to find the net at least once.

Janos Kovacs: 7 – A walk in the park for the giant Hungarian who was never troubled.

Robbie Willmott (sub, pictured): 8.5 – Seized his chance from the bench as he terrorised Kettering throughout and netted a thumping volley.

John Paul Kissock (sub): 7 – A real entertainer and his introduction added to the festive spirit.

Stuart Fleetwood (sub): 7.5 – Made an instant impact and a goal can only help his confidence.

Ratings by Mark Wood