Kettering 0-1 York

Ingham has been impressive in goal for York this season

York strengthened their hold on third spot in the Blue Square Premier with a win over play-off hopefuls Kettering.

Michael Rankine gave the visitors the lead early on when he volleyed in from inside the penalty area.

James Dance nearly drew the home side level soon after, but York keeper Michael Ingham denied him with a brilliant diving save.

Kettering went close again through Kwesi Appiah, but Ingham kept his side ahead with another fine save.

The Minstermen stay third but are now just a point off top spot following Stevenage's defeat against Tamworth and Oxford's failure to beat Kidderminster.

Kettering Town player-manager Lee Harper told BBC Radio Northampton:

"We're really disappointed. We've asked for desire, commitment and passion and they've done that the last four games.

"The keeper hasn't had to make a save all game and we lose the game 1-0. It's very frustrating.

"I said to the guys at half-time, they were the better team. The difference is what York have got up top. But the boys gave it everything."

Kettering: Abbey, Thelwell, Dempster, Roper, Jennings, Dance, Hadfield, Wrack (Robinson 62), Noubissie (Boucaud 62), Kelly (Taylor 78), Appiah.
Subs Not Used: Cooper, Thomas.

Booked: Roper, Jennings, Hadfield, Dance, Dempster.

York: Ingham, Parslow, McGurk, Graham, Meredith, Purkiss, Mackin, Lawless (Barrett 90), Carruthers (Gash 86), Brodie, Rankine (Sangare 66).
Subs Not Used: Clarke, Pitt.

Booked: Rankine, Lawless.

Goals: Rankine 16.

Att: 1,375.

Ref: Richard Wigglesworth (South Yorkshire).