Gosport Borough edge closer to drop after heavy defeat

Gosport Borough edged closer to the Southern League premier division trapdoor with a heavy 7-0 defeat against Kettering Town at Privett Park.
Craig McAllister returned to Gosport Borough in their heavy loss against Kettering. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland.Craig McAllister returned to Gosport Borough in their heavy loss against Kettering. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland.
Craig McAllister returned to Gosport Borough in their heavy loss against Kettering. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland.

A demoralised Borough were outplayed by the play-off chasing visitors.

With three games left Gosport remain two points behind relegation rivals Dunstable Town.

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However, Borough have played one game more and have an inferior goal difference.

There was a surprise return for Craig McAlister in Gosport’s starting line-up.

The striker had walked out of the club to join Blackfield & Langley six weeks ago but is back at Privett Park.

Borough started positively and Toyosi Olusanya almost headed home at the far post.

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Kettering dampened the home spirits, though, by taking a 12th-minute lead.

Ben Milnes’ shot was blocked inside the area before Matthew Stephens struck home the rebound.

The hosts had a let off when Harry Medway fouled Rhys Hoeness and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

However, on the advice his assistant, the official changed his decision to a free-kick on the edge of the area.

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The visitors extended their lead on 19 minutes when Brett Solkhon hammered the ball into the roof of the net from a corner.

Gosport’s best effort also came from a corner with a goal-bound McAlister header tipped onto the bar by the visiting keeper.

There was no respite for the hosts and in the 25th minute Solkhon coolly converted a penalty following a foul by Nathan Walker.

Borough keeper Patrick O’Flaherty produced four top-drawer saves at the start of the second half.

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A fourth goal was inevitable, though, with Rene Howe netting on 58 minutes.

Stephens added a fifth goal in the 73rd minute, Howe notched his second of the game before Aaron O’Connor rubbed salt into the wound in the closing minutes of the clash.