Kettering Town FC Sets the Stage for a Thrilling FA Cup Showdown

2024-12-01

Kettering Town FC is gearing up for a thrilling FA Cup second-round match against Doncaster Rovers at Latimer Park, following their impressive victory over Northampton Town in the previous round. This match is set to take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at noon, and will be broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer.

To accommodate the anticipated influx of fans, Kettering has installed an additional 258 temporary seats, although this will not increase the stadium’s overall capacity of 3,000. The match is particularly significant for Kettering, as it marks their first appearance in the FA Cup second round since the 2009-10 season.

The Poppies, currently competing in the seventh tier of English football, are on a remarkable run, having won 13 of their last 15 matches. Their recent FA Cup journey has not only revitalised local support but also attracted notable players like Nile Ranger. In their last match against Northampton, Kettering pulled off a stunning upset, winning 2-1 with Ranger scoring the decisive goal.

Kettering’s owners, George Akhtar and Fabian Forde, are ambitious about the club’s future, aiming for promotion to a higher league within five years. Akhtar emphasised the need for sustained success and community support, stating, “This whole cup run is for the fans. We don’t want this to be a flash in the pan.”

Doncaster Rovers, the seventh-tier opponents, come into the match after a solid start to their League Two campaign but will need to be wary of an inspired Kettering side eager to secure another upset.

With both teams eager to progress, the match promises to be an exciting clash, spotlighting the underdog spirit of Kettering Town as they pursue further glory in the FA Cup.