Richie Partridge's strike handed Kettering a 1-0 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road which brings them to fourth place in the Conference.

Kettering, dreaming of an FA Cup third-round trip to Manchester United should they beat Leeds in a replay, went ahead in the 64th minute when Partridge - on loan from MK Dons - curled a shot into the top corner from 20 yards.

Greg Taylor was denied a chance to make it 2-0 when Kevin Pilkington tipped over his effort while the Hatters were unable to muster a reply and have now won just once in five games in the Conference.

Kettering made a bright start and created two openings inside eight minutes. First Jean-Paul Marna fired a shot from 12 yards which was saved by Pilkington before Anthony Elding cleared the bar with his 20-yard effort.

Luton settled and created a number of opportunities themselves but Tom Craddock (twice) and Alan White failed to find the target.

Experienced striker Kevin Gallen finally forced Kettering goalkeeper Lee Harper into a save just before the half-hour mark and moments later volleyed another chance over.

Back came Kettering and after John Dempster put a header wide, Pilkington denied Simon Heslop from 25 yards before Craddock was thwarted by Harper on the stroke of half-time.

Gallen and Taylor missed chances in the second half before Partridge produced what proved to be the winner.