Sam Northeast hit 88 to help Kent record only their second LV= County Championship win of the season against Glamorgan in Cardiff.

The 23-year-old spent more than four hours at the crease and faced 209 balls in a crucial innings which anchored Kent’s successful run-chase.

Set 242 to win after Glamorgan had been bowled out for 258 in their second innings, Kent looked solid with the bat at the Swalec Stadium.

Brendan Nash made a rather more rapid 70 – from 77 balls – to get them across the line with seven wickets in hand.

Earlier, Glamorgan had won the toss and chosen to bat.

Darren Stevens was the pick of the Kent bowlers, taking 4-34, as the home side were knocked over for 158.

But they had Kent in trouble at 37-3 before Daniel Bell-Drummond hit a patient 78 to help the visitors to 175 all out and a lead of 17.

Glamorgan opener Gareth Rees led the way with 52 as the hosts set about building a lead of their own. Several of his team-mates got starts but none went on to make big scores, with each of Kent’s five bowlers getting among the wickets.

Their second innings was brought to a close on Thursday morning and Northeast laid the foundations for Kent’s victory push.

Having just signed a new contract with the county, he played well alongside ex-skipper Rob Key and then Bell-Drummond, before Nash picked up the baton.

The former West Indies international didn’t waste any time, hitting 10 boundaries to get Kent over the line.

Victory lifts Kent further clear of Division 2 basement boys Leicestershire and to within touching distance of the sides immediately above them, Hampshire and Glamorgan.

They host Essex in the County Championship on Wednesday.