Greg Pearson's goal sealed victory for Burton as Kettering missed a chance to top the Blue Square Premier table.

Pearson pounced on a mix-up between defender Guy Branston and keeper Lee Harper to find the back of the net 11 minutes from time.

Kettering were reduced to 10 men when Iyseden Christie was sent off before the break for a foul on Matthew Bailey.

But they almost salvaged a point but Jean-Paul Marna's late shot was cleared off the line by Jake Buxton.

Kettering: Harper, Eaden, Geohaghan, Branston, Jaszczun, Solkhon, Boucaud (Potter 66), Wrack, Westcarr (Marna 80), Seddon (Beardsley 77), Christie.
Subs Not Used: Dempster, Dorrill.

Sent Off: Christie (42).

Booked: Eaden, Wrack.

Burton Albion: Deeney, Yates (Stride 84), Austin (Bailey 26), Buxton, Corbett, Goodfellow, Holmes, McGrath, Gilroy, Pearson, Newby (Banim 62).
Subs Not Used: Harrad, Morris.

Booked: Holmes.

Goals: Pearson 79.

Att: 1,616

Ref: M Naylor (England).