Blues boss Chris Wigger is hoping to have everyone available after Saturday’s season opener against Halesowen Town, which the Blues drew 2-2 to put their first point of the season on the board.

Kettering, meanwhile, got a late winner at Royston Town, deep into stoppage time, with ex-Blue Jamar Loza getting one of their goals in what was a thrilling 4-3 victory.

'WHAT THEY SAID'

AFTER Saturday's clash with Halesowen, Blues midfielder Fraser Alexander said: “We were pleased with our overall performance. Halesowen are a quality outfit, but we felt like we conceded some sloppy goals.

“We could have nicked it at the end with two good opportunities, but overall there were lots of positives to take away from the game.”

Meanwhile, Wigger said: "That late winner Kettering got at Royston is going to give them some momentum going into the game with us. But the fact they conceded three in the first half, and we could have scored more than two against Halesowen, means it could be an open game."

ALL ABOUT THE POPPIES

KETTTERING Town, the ‘Poppies’, were established in 1872 and incredibly were the first club to wear sponsorship on their shirts, back in 1976. The club has a rich cup history.

They lost 2-0 to Stafford Rangers in the 1979 FA Trophy final before losing 3-2 against Kingstonian in 2000, with both finals at Wembley.

They reached the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1988-89, losing at then First Division, Charlton Athletic. They did it again in 2008-09, losing in the fourth round this time to Fulham.

Last season, Kettering lost in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final, 4-2 to AFC Telford United, after beating Harborough Town on penalties in the semi-finals.

PREVIOUS CLASHES AT LATIMER PARK

September 2018;
Kettering Town 1-2 Leiston
(Leiston scorers: Patrick Brothers and Dominic Docherty).

April 2024;
Kettering Town 2-2 Leiston
(Leiston scorers: Ashley Boatswain and Jamar Loza).

November 2024;
Kettering Town 2-1 Leiston
(Leiston scorer: George Quantrell).

COMING UP FOR THE BLUES THIS MONTH

Away: Banbury United (Saturday 16th) 3pm kick off.
Coach details for Banbury are here

Needham Market (Monday 25th) 3pm kick off

Home: Redditch United (Saturday 23rd) 3pm kick off.

THE Blues will enter the Emirates FA Cup at the First Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 30th August. The draw will take place a week today on Monday 18th August. Preliminary Round matches will take place this weekend.

MATCH INFORMATION
Kettering Town v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
7.45pm kick off
Polwell Lane, Burton Latimer, Kettering, NN15 5PS
Tel: 01536 217006

Admission Prices: Adults £15, Concessions (over 60’s/students) £10, U16’s £2, Programme Price £2.50.

Game 2/42