Stevenage lost their fourth match of the season as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of unbeaten Kettering.

The home side made a strong start to the game, and were rewarded when Chris Beardsley struck after 14 minutes after Craig Westcarr teed him up expertly.

Lee Harper had to be on his guard to keep out a long-range free-kick from Stevenage's Peter Vicenzi.

Harper denied Scott Laird and Luke Oliver fired over from the resulting corner, but Kettering held on.

Kettering: Harper, Eaden, Geohaghan, Branston, Jaszczun, Potter (Dempster 88), Boucaud (Solkhon 76), Wrack, Westcarr, Seddon, Beardsley (Marna 72).
Subs Not Used: Dorrill, Graham.

Booked: Branston, Beardsley, Potter.

Goals: Beardsley 15.

Stevenage: Day, Bostwick, Henry, Oliver, Laird, Wilson, Mills (Thomas 9), Vincenti, McMahon, Morison, Willock (Boylan 72), Thomas (Upson 80).
Subs Not Used: Jordan, Nurse.

Att: 1,592

Ref: R Merchant (Staffordshire).