Stevenage Boro Ladies blew the race for the title wide open by beating second-placed Kettering Town 2-0. Boro rediscovered the flowing attacking football that brought them eight wins on the spin before Christmas and exposed Kettering s defensive frailties

Stevenage Boro Ladies blew the race for the title wide open by beating second-placed Kettering Town 2-0.

Boro rediscovered the flowing attacking football that brought them eight wins on the spin before Christmas and exposed Kettering's defensive frailties in the process.

After an even first 30 minutes, with good chances for both sides, the deadlock was broken when Katie Light split the defence with a through ball to Jay Madden.

The attacking midfielder's shot was palmed away by the Kettering keeper but predatory striker Ana Ruiz Jerez scored from the rebound.

Any hopes Kettering harboured of a swift return to parity after the break were ruined just one minute from the restart. Another Light through pass again found the Kettering defence square; Madden this time gave the keeper no chance with a cool finish.

A scare in the second period brought a superb double save from Rosie Millbrow as Boro played most of the rest of the game in the Kettering half for a deserved victory.

In the process, they consigned Kettering to their first game this season in which they had failed to score.

With games in hand and visits to Kettering, Cambridge and Kempston to come, Boro's young side still have all to play for.

The draw for the semi-final of the league plate has been made with Boro drawing a tough tie against league leaders Sawbridgeworth. Ties are to be played on April 9 at a neutral venue to be announced.