The Blues were cruelly denied a point at league leaders Kettering Town as the hosts scored a last-minute winner.

Trailing from a first half goal from Jonny Edwards, Chris Wigger’s side looked to have secured a well-earned point when George Quantrell raced clear to level on 80 minutes only for substitute Isiah Noel-Williams to fire home a close range winner at the death.

The leaders started strongly and Billy Johnson did brilliantly well to tip over Wes York’s effort that looked destined for the top corner. Kettering had Leiston penned back in their own half and their early endeavour was rewarded on 13 minutes. Andi Thanoj’s header released Tyree Wilson racing into the box and he squared for Edwards to roll the ball into the net.

The former Peterborough United and Stevenage striker only arrived at Latimer Park in mid October from St Ives Town but he already has five goals to his name. Almost immediately, Leiston were inches from levelling, Quantrell released Jamar Loza and his cross was inches from being converted by Ben Fowkes.

Despite the set back it was Leiston in control of possession but they were unable to break down the home sides back four with a hand full of corners and blocked efforts from Kyron Clements and Quantrell the best spell of pressure they had.

In awful conditions the game restarted with former Premier League striker Nile Ranger seeing a neat, flicked header well blocked and mid way through the second half he was denied by a smart low save from Johnson after bearing down on goal.

But for these two chances the second half belonged to Leiston and they controlled possession well and their enterprise was rewarded ten minutes from time with a fine equaliser.

Quantrell galloped through the heart of the visitor’s defence and calmly planted his effort beyond the approaching Dan Jozeph for his tenth goal of the season. There was little between the sides but the leaders stole the lead in the 89th-minute.

Full back Ben Hart drove into the Blues area and his strike was blocked but the loose ball fell invitingly to substitute Noel-Williams who smashed home the winner. Heartbreak for the visitors.

FT: Kettering Town 2 Leiston 1

How the teams lined up:
Kettering: Dan Jozeph, Ben Hart, Aaron Powell, Gary Stohrer, Connor Johnson, Wes York, Andi Thanoj, Nile Ranger, Tyree Wilson (Kai Fifield 22 mins, Isiah Noel-Williams 67 mins), Harlain Mbayo, Jonny Edwards (Gary Hooper 85 mins). Subs not used: Dan Jarvis and Luca Miller.

Leiston: Billy Johnson, Oli Yun (Albie Armin 61 mins), Ollie Saunders, Fraser Alexander, Kyron Clements, Rossi Jarvis, Ismael Fatadjo (Ethan Oldman 92 mins), George Quantrell, Ben Fowkes (Cameron Rayworth 85 mins), Ryan Jarvis (Harley Curtis 92 mins), Jamar Loza. Sub not used: Mitchell Jackson.

Attendance: 881