PREVIEW: Kettering Town (A)
When: Saturday 21st March (15:00 KO)
Where: Latimer Park, Polwell Lane, Burton Latimer, NN15 5PS
What3Words: ///highways.scrapping.encounter
The Methodists travel to Northamptonshire riding a four match unbeaten streak, and winners of five of the past seven matches.
Quorn’s Form:
Back-to-back cleansheets at home to playoff contenders Real Bedford (1-0) and Banbury United (2-0) have the Reds sitting in fourth place, keeping the pressure on the chasing pack, most of whom have games in hand. Those two home wins came on the back of a thrilling 4-4 draw at Bury Town and a 4-1 demolition of St. Ives Town. The current unbeaten streak dates back to a 4-1 defeat away to Halesowen Town, prior to which the Methodists had home wins against Bishop’s Stortford (1-0) and Stamford (2-0).
The Opposition:
Since a surprising 2-0 defeat at home at Alvechurch the Poppies have enjoyed back-to-back victories against relegation threatened AFC Sudbury, 4-1 away on Saturday and 6-0 at home on Tuesday. The shock defeat to the Church and a 1-1 draw at Stourbridge are the only blemishes on an otherwise impressive streak, that has seen Town win seven of their previous nine matches.
Head-to-Head:
The clubs have met twice before, both earlier this season at Farley Way, with a win each. The first meeting was an FA Cup encounter with goals from Simeon Cobourne and Marvellous Onabirekhanlen sending the Reds on their way, despite Eddie Oppong’s late goal making for a nervy ending. The sides met again in the league a couple of months later, with the Poppies running out 2-0 victors, scoring late in each half through Ismael Fatadjo and Preston Bitemo.
One to watch:
There has been a massive amount of upheaval at Latimer Park this season, with the Poppies on their third Manager in the space of a year. Eddie Panter has been a recent acquisition, joining from Bedford Town, having helped the Eagles to the division title last season. Panter is already in double figures for goals with an impressive 12 in just 15 appearances, including a hat-trick away to St. Ives Town on Valentine’s Day and a brace on Tuesday in the demolition of AFC Sudbury.
Directions:
Leaving Quorn on the A6, join the A46 west at the island before Birstall. Remain on the A46, merging onto the southbound M1. At Catthorpe Interchange take the A14 east. Leave the A14 at Junction nine, turning right at the island onto the A509. head straight over the first island onto Kettering Road, taking the first left into Station Road. Continue straight, over the railway bridge, before turning left into Polwell Lane. The ground is on the right and has a large car park.
Prices:
£15.00 Adults, £10.00 Concessions, £2.00 Under 18s.