Boro shared four goals with a physical Kettering side in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday. Choosing to field three central defenders, Mark Stimson s side impressed in the first half, keeping Mark Osborn busy in the visitors goal. The keeper was

Boro shared four goals with a physical Kettering side in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Choosing to field three central defenders, Mark Stimson's side impressed in the first half, keeping Mark Osborn busy in the visitors' goal.

The keeper was forced to save from skipper Luke Oliver as early as the fourth minute, and then again after a slick build up saw Adam Miller shoot low from the edge of the box.

Challenges flew in from both sides, testing referee Russell's patience along the way.

It was Miller who deservedly broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when from John Nutter's short free-kick, he arrowed in an unstoppable drive from fully 30 yards.

But just before the interval Kettering restored parity when a rare slip from Oliver gifted the ball and former Boro triallist Zema Abbey netted from the edge of the area with the aid of a deflection.

After several switches of personnel and positions by Boro, it was Kettering who went ahead when Andre Boucaud netted from a corner as his low shot hit the net from 25 yards.

Danny Potter was rather fortunate to stay on the pitch as he raced out of his area to block Jean Paul Mariner.

Further substitutions did not help the flow of the game but Boro equalised when Barry Fuller met Craig Dobson's cross to guide the ball home from close range.

Boro had Alan Julian to thank in the final 10 minutes as he pulled off fine saves from Mariner and Craig Westcarr as Kettering rallied.

Boro: Potter (Julian 61), Fuller, Oliver, Henry, Gaia, Nutter, Miller (Bulman 61), Dobson, Hicks (Boyd 46), Nurse (Stamp 34), Thorpe (Phillips 61).