Kettering's recent league form has seen them pick up 13 points from the last eighteen available. Wins against Hitchin, St Ives, Lowestoft and Stamford were tempered with a home draw to Harborough and a narrow away defeat to Royston Town. Boss, Russ Wilcox looks ahead to the challenge in store for his side, highlighting the danger the opposition present, but also the desire to go deeper into the competition:

"We are now looking forward to another tough challenge away at Kettering Town FC in the FA trophy. It’s another competition we as a club want to progress in. Kettering have just won their last 5 games and are riding high in their league sitting 3rd in the table with a game in hand. They have an experienced squad that includes ex Newcastle Utd striker Nile Ranger."

The side are playing well on the road this season. Declan Howe having four goals in six away from home. Three wins and a draw in the six games played on the road give the Blues reason to be optimistic, with Wilcox enthusing, "We will go there in good spirits after our outstanding win at Darlington in the FA cup last weekend. Please give us the backing like you did at Darlington. It makes a huge difference to the players confidence and belief."

The Poppies sit two points off leaders' Stamford, with a game in hand. Their recent victory over the Dannies putting down an early marker in the season. Saturday's hosts have the second meanest defence in the division (seven goals conceded) after Banbury United (six), but the Holy Blues have overcome that before, and will again be looking to stun our hosts.

As well as impressing in the league, Kettering have progressed to the same stage of the Emirates FA Cup, and as the Magic continues to weave its magic, Saturday's hosts will face one of Russ Wilcox's former sides, Farsley Celtic at Guiseley's Nethermoor Ground. The Poppies have beaten Stafford Rangers. A home game against Cleethorpes Town saw them narrowly beat the former Vase Finalists, before a victory over their league rivals St. Ives enabled the Poppies to progress.

Let's go. Let's travel in numbers and really back Russ Wilcox's boys to go out there and put on a show. There's no better way to prepare for next Saturday's game (of which tickets are on sale, on the website now) than by being in the draw for the First Round Proper of the Trophy. £2,450 richer! Dream. Believe. Achieve. And paint the town blue.

The Match

Our hosts confirm, there is disabled access to the ground. Parking beside the ground is donation payment, otherwise free. There is a fan zone adjacent to the ground and social bar with pizzerias and burgers available for a pre match meal. Tickets for this one off shootout are priced at £12 for adults, £8 concessions (over 65 or student with valid student card), under 16 £2. Address for the satnav is Polwell Lane, Burton Latimer, Northants, NN15 5PS.

Elsewhere

There are five all NPL ties in this season’s Third Qualifying Round fixture, whilst only four of the remaining ten fixtures including those sides alongside us in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, are at home. There are no replays in this Isuzu FA Trophy, ties finishing level after ninety minutes, go straight to penalties. The list of fixtures, including fellow NPL clubs, are in full are here:

Workington vs Morpeth Town
Blyth Spartans vs Stockton Town
Guiseley vs Bamber Bridge
Hebburn Town vs FC United of Manchester
Leek Town vs Mickleover
City of Liverpool vs Macclesfield
Whitby Town vs Newton Aycliffe
Ossett United vs Prescot Cables
Congelton Town vs Hyde United
Trafford vs Ashton United
Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Warrington Rylands
Clitheroe vs Lancaster City
Stourbridge vs Matlock Town
Kettering Town vs Gainsborough Trinity
Basford United vs Hanley Town
Ilkeston Town vs Coleshill Town
Worksop Town vs St Ives

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)