Kettering 4-0 Gateshead

Kettering continued their fine start to the season as they climbed into second place in the Blue Square Premier at Rockingham Road.

First-half goals from Danny Thomas and Moses Ashikodi set the Poppies on their way to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over struggling Gateshead.

Francis Green and Damian Spencer then added second-half strikes.

Gateshead, whose game was abandoned on Saturday, stay 22nd after just one win in seven league games.

The hosts dominated the early exchanges, Ian Roper firing over from 12 yards and Damian Spencer twice going close inside the opening seven minutes.

And it was no surprise to see the Poppies open the scoring when Thomas met Lee Fowler's cross with a fine left-footed volley that flew past Jim Provett.

The Gateshead goalkeeper then had to pull off a double save to deny Green, before Kettering extended their lead in the 32nd minute, Ashikodi sliding the ball past Provett following a neat pass from Andre Boucaud.

Phil Turnbull curled a shot narrowly wide and Wayne Phillips volleyed straight at home keeper Lee Harper as Gateshead looked to respond. But, at the other end, Spencer headed narrowly over from Lee Fowler's corner.

Kettering comfortably defended their lead in the second half, Green adding a third after good work from Spencer.

And there was still time for Spencer to grab a goal of his own as he nodded in substitute Jean-Paul Marna's cross.

Kettering: Harper, Dempster, Geohaghon, Roper, Jennings, Thomas (Marna 69), Fowler, Boucaud, Green (Wrack 75), Spencer, Ashikodi (Noubissie 63).

Sub Not Used: Taylor.

Booked: Marna.

Goals: Thomas 10, Ashikodi 32, Green 73, Spencer 82.

Gateshead: Provett, Baxter, Francis, Curtis, Robinson, Harwood (Mackay 75), Turnbull, Gate, McDermott, Phillips (Richardson 59), One (Forsyth 85).

Subs Not Used: Farman, Cave.

Booked: Harwood, Francis, Baxter.

Attendance: 1,230

Referee: Ian Smedley (Derbyshire).