PREVIEW: Kettering Town (H) FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

By Dan Sheward & Will Phillips

When: Saturday 13th September 2025

Where: The Stotto Stadium, Farley Way, Quorn LE12 8RB

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FA Cup action returns to The Stotto Stadium this weekend for the 2nd Qualifying Round as Quorn face Kettering Town.

The Reds should be eager to continue their cup campaign after an 8-0 thrashing of Sherwood Colliery. Quorn’s next FA Cup goal will be the 100th that the club have scored in the competition, so the Methodists will be looking to reach that milestone on Saturday. The Poppies, on the other hand, have scored more FA Cup goals (927) than any other side the history of probably the most iconic club competition in world football.

The Methodists go into the second round of the cup for the first time in 14 years, on the back of an unfortunate defeat away to Harborough Town falling to late 1-0 defeat from a goal in the final minute after battling for 80 minutes with 10 men.

The Opposition:

Kettering town have averaged the highest attendance in the Southern League Premier Central, with 1198 fans attending their games on average so far this season, taking impressive numbers to on their travels also.

The Poppies arrive off the back a midweek defeat at home to Spalding United, despite Nile Ranger scoring a brace for 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes. Bart Cybulski responded with a quick-fire hat-trick before half time and Jack Roberts added some gloss in stoppage time as the Tulips won the battle of the sides with flower nicknames 4-2 at Latimer Road.

Kettering currently sit in 5th place, with a near identical record to Quorn in the Southern League Premier Central. The Poppies defeated Long Eaton United 4-1 away from home in the first qualifying round. Long Eaton did manage to take the lead, breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute. However, Kettering fired straight back through a penalty just on the stroke of half time. Forward, Leon Lobjoit was man of the match on the day, bagging himself a hattrick via two close range goals and the aforementioned penalty.

Kettering managed to equal their best run in the competition in the 2008/09 season, making it to the fourth round of the FA Cup. On their journey they defeated Lincoln City and Notts County. As a result of their fine run, they drew Fulham at home. Giving it their all in the game against the Premier League squad, drawing the score level not once but twice. The Poppies fell short, with the fixture ending 4-2 Fulham.

They also enjoyed a superb run last season, with former Quorn Manager Richard Lavery in charge at the time. A memorable win away to Northampton Town in the first round, was followed by a spirited performance at home to Doncaster Rovers, however, the Poppies were eventually defeated in extra time.

Head-to-Head:

Quorn have never faced Kettering Town in the past, yet this season the two sides will meet at least three times. The first coming this Saturday in the FA Cup, with Quorn having the home advantage. It will be a great clash as goal difference is currently the only factor separating the pair in the league.

Last Game:

Quorn hope to shake off a late defeat to Harborough in their last game, with Luis Rose netting for the Bee’s in the 96th minute. 639 fans were in attendance for that game which also saw Zak Goodson going off with a red card. Goodson had scored four in the last two prior to this including a hat trick in the FA Cup.

Ones to watch:

Kettering Town will be pinning their hopes on Nile Ranger, who scored both their goals in the loss against Spalding united.

Ranger has scored 5 goals in the league so far this season and has also been a prolific player across English football, playing in the Premier League and Championship with Newcastle, even making a Europa League appearance for the Magpies.

Ranger has also played in Leagues One and Two for Southend United, scoring 10 goals in League One for the Shrimpers.

Admission Prices*:

Adults £12.00

Concessions £9.00

Under 16s £3.00

Under 14s Free

*Please note that Season Tickets are not valid for this fixture due to revenue sharing procedures in cup competitions