Matchday Programme 202526-Kettering Town (3) by StIvesTownFootballClub

KETTERING

TOWN THIS SEASON! THIS SEASON!

KETTERING TOWN

LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR

Games-26

Wins-11

Draws-5

Losses-10

Points-38

Today’s opponents will have come into this season looking to go one better than they did last campaign, with the Poppies missing out on promotion to the National League via a devastating 4-2 defeat in the playoff final against AFC Telford. Then Kettering Down manager Richard Lavery described the defeat as “like a dagger to the heart” in his post match comments, with his side tasting defeat despite leading twice in the match and being on home turf. Following Lavery’s departure, Simon Hollyhead was appointed took charge of Poppies for the first part of the season. Hollyhead departed the club in October and was replaced by current Kettering boss Liam McDonald, who has provided some stability to the Northamptonshire-based outfit, who currently sit 13 in the Southern League Premier Division Central table.

Unfortunately for the Kettering faithful, their side were not able to treat them to a long and exciting run in either of the two major FA Competitions. It was St Ives Town who knocked today’s visitors out of the FA Trophy 3 Qualifying Round with a 1-0 win back in October. rd

Today’s opponents did manage to get through the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, with a 4-1 win over Long Eaton United, but fellow Southern League side Quorn were too good for Hollyhead’s side on the day as they were beaten 2-1 by the Leicestershire-based outfit.

Will Glennon will be no stranger to the 3G surface at the quattrotech Westwood Road having played a part in Ives bid for survival last campaign. Glennon joined the Ives midway through the 2024/25 season from AFC Stamford and finished as Ives’ top scorer and the highest scoring defender in the league. Glennon initially made the move to step two Bedford Town in the summer before joining the Poppies just over a month later, where he has been applying his trade ever since.

The young defender has scored four goals so far this season, including two in his last three games. His good form has contributed to his side’s momentum coming into today’s fixture, with Kettering picking up back to back wins.

No doubt Glennon will be looking to get one over on his former side when he takes to the field this afternoon.

LAST MATCH LAST MATCH REPORT! REPORT!

St Ives Town V Bury Town

Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central-31-01-2026

Saturday 31th January

There’s no good way to lose a game of football but Ives may have just tasted defeat in the most painful and bewildering way one could imagine The home side were leading the game by a goal to nil in the seventh minute on added on time at the end of the second half, but having missed a golden opportunity to make it two nil and put the game to bed, Ives conceded two goals in as many minutes as Bury Town completed a remarkable turnaround at Quattro-Tech Westwood Road

Ives manager Ricky Marheineke, who could only name three players on the bench for his side’s midweek trip to Banbury United, made two changes to his starting XI ahead of Saturday’s fixture, with Gibou Njie and Jernade Meade coming in for Jahrel McKoy and Theo Alexandrou.

Bury Town manager Cole Skuse made one change from his side’s 3-1 win over Alvechurch last weekend, with new signing Callum Page named in the starting XI for the first time since joining Blues from A.F.C Sudbury. He replaced Ryan Jolland in midfield, who dropped to the bench.

It was Blues who had the best of the opening exchanges with the most threatening chance coming from the boot of Ally Conway The midfielder picked up the ball outside of the penalty area in the seventh minute and unleashed a shot that looked destined for the top corner, only to be denied by a flying stop by Ollie Taylor.

The visitors looked to have gone close again two minutes later as Joe Carroll’s header from a Lewis O’malley free kick crashed off the crossbar, only for the linesman to raise his flag moments later.

Bury Town forward Jamie McGrath will feel disappointed that he didn’t put his side ahead after 11 minutes as a good move by the away team saw Callum Page find Mikey Davies out wide, with Davies delivering an inviting cross that was met by McGrath, who couldn’t keep his header down from close range.

Ives first real chance of the game came from a clever bit of play from Tyrone Baker in the 34 minute The Ives forward received the ball with his back to goal and managed to find enough space on the turn to fire his effort on target, forcing Bury Town goalkeeper Charlie Beckwith into a good save low to his right th

LAST MATCH LAST MATCH REPORT! REPORT!

Banbury United v St Ives Town

Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central 27-01-2026

Written by Nigel Howlett

Saturday 31th January

It was the Ives shot stopper who was back in action before the break as with 40 minutes on the clock, Taylor made a strong save to deny McGrath from giving his side the lead heading into half time.

Ives also had an opportunity to get themselves on the board heading into the interval as a well-struck free kick from skipper Michael Richens just outside the penalty area stung the palms of Beckwith, who did well to push the ball to safety in the 42 minute of the game nd

Just like the opening 15 minutes of the first half, it was Blues who looked the most threatening in the first knockings of the second, as Taylor was called into action on more than one occasion George Quantrell cut inside on 47 minutes and produced a good effort that forced Taylor into a smart save low down to his left Two minutes later it was McGrath who found himself through on goal but was expertly denied by the Ives keeper from close range. Taylor produced another superb save moments later, this time with his feet, to prevent Conway from giving the visitors what would’ve been a deserved lead.

An injury to Liam Cross saw the Ives number 10 replaced by youngster Alfie Shepherd in the 52 minute Three minutes later, the home side made the all-important breakthrough nd Jonny Edwards, who had not yet managed to fashion a clear-cut opportunity in the game, found himself through on goal. The ball bounced up for the returning Ives forward, who lashed home a volleyed effort past Beckwith to give his side the lead

From the hour mark onwards, the game became very stop-start, with stoppages in play caused by injuries on both sides killing any sort of momentum that was building. One of the casualties was substitute Shepherd, who made a heroic interception to prevent a good chance for the visitors, but in doing so came off worse from the challenge and subsequently had to be replaced in the 86 minute th

These stoppages saw referee Mario Stetakovic award a minimum of nine minutes of added on time at the end of the second half, a figure that turned out to be all important in the outcome of this contest.

LAST MATCH LAST MATCH REPORT! REPORT!

Saturday 31th January

In the 93 minute of the game, goal scorer Edwards was played through down the left hand side and looked certain to score what would’ve been the goal that sealed all three points for his side However, a slight hesitation before tapping the ball towards goal allowed the Bury Town defender time to get round and make a superb block on the line to deny Edwards and keep the game alive.

That block proved to be crucial as in the seventh minute of added on time, the visitors broke Ives hearts as substitute Cemal Ramadan produced an effort that flew across Taylor, who could only watch as the ball clipped the inside of his far post and nestled into the back of the net

Moments later, it got worse for Ricky Marheineke’s side as they lost the ball from kick off, which presented the visitors the opportunity to have one last attack It was an opportunity that was well and truly taken by Blues as a cutting move by Skuse’s men culminated in substitute Oliver Canfer getting on the end of a pinpoint accurate cross into the six-yard area to tap home past Taylor from close range to complete a frankly incredible turnaround that was inconceivable only a couple of minutes beforehand

The manner of the defeat an almighty blow for Ricky Marheineke’s men, who could’ve put themselves 10 points clear of the relegation zone had they held on for the three points. They will have to dust themselves down and re-focus on their next assignment, a trip to Worcestershire to face Alvechurch next weekend.

Final Score: St Ives Town 1 Bury Town 2 Half Time 0 - 0

Goals:

ST IVES: Edwards 55

BURY TOWN: Davies 90+7, Canfer 90+9

Team Line Ups:

ST IVES: Taylor, Creary, Smith, Richens (capt), Idehen, Edwards, Cross (Shepherd 52-Replaced by Forde 86), Miles, Njie, Baker, Meade (McKoy 79) Unused subs: Barratt, Hickinson

BURY TOWN: Beckwith, White, Carroll, Hughes, O’malley (capt) (Parr 70), Conway (Ramadan 70), Maughn, Page (Jolland 85), Quantrell (Flowers 93), Davies, McGrath (Canfer 93) Unused subs: none

Referee: Mario Stetakovic

Cards: Yellow: ST IVES: Meade (16), Creary (44)

BURY TOWN: Jolland (88)

IVES SUPPORTERS MAN OF THE MATCH: Ollie Taylor

Attendance: 326

AND LADIES ROUND-UP! AND LADIES ROUND-UP!

RESERVES, ACADEMY RESERVES, ACADEMY RESERVES NEWS!

Since our last edition of the match programme, the reserves have been in action as they made the trip to Northamptonshire to take on Bugbrooke St Michaels Reserves in the United Counties Football League Cup Semi-Final. A superb performance saw Ives run out 5-1 winners on the day, with Reuben Huggins playing a staring role, netting a hat-trick to help secure his side a place in a second final this season.

The following week saw Mark Field’s men return to league action in the GCE United Counties Reserve League as they took on Godmanchester Rovers Reserves at quattro-tech Westwood-Road. The game ended 0-0, giving the Reserves a point that keeps them third in the table.

ACADEMY NEWS

The Scholars returned to league action for the first time in 2026 as they took made the trip to Peterborough to take on Peterborough College. The game ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat as they lost their unbeaten record.

The U18S were in cup action as they took on Eynesbury Rovers in the Hunts FA County Cup Semi-Final. Our boys ran out 4-1 winners at quattrotech Westwood Road to book their place in the final. They then returned to Thurlow Nun Youth League Action as they took on March Town U18s. Unfortunately, the U18s fell to a 4-3 defeat on the day, leaving their hopes of retaining the league title in the balance.

LADIES NEWS

Since our last edition of the match programme, the reserves have been in Alan Boswell Group Cambridgeshire Girls and Women's Football League action as they took on Willingham Wolves Ladies. Two goals from Emily Waterman and a goal from Kellie-marie Dixon saw Ives draw 3-3 at Western Park, leaving them sixth in the table with eight points.

10 TO TACKLE 10 TO

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GOOD LUCK! GOOD LUCK!

1.Who scored for West Ham in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United?

1 Who scored for West Ham in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United?

2.Who did Chelsea draw 2-2 with on Tuesday night?

3.Who scored Newcastle United’s winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur?

3 Who scored Newcastle United’s winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur?

4.What was was the score in that game?

4 What was was the score in that game?

5.Who was sent off for Everton in their 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth?

6. Who scored Manchester City’s opening goal in their win over Fullham?

7.How many points separated City and Arsenal at the end of that game?

8.Which January arrival scored twice for Palace on Wednesday night against Burnley?

8 Which January arrival scored twice for Palace on Wednesday night against Burnley?

9 Which player scored an own goal in that game?

10.Which Premier League manager got sacked on Wednesday morning?

9.Which player scored an own goal in that game? 10.Which Premier League manager got sacked on Wednesday morning?

Want to find out how you got on?

After 30 rounds of fixtures, Ives find themselves in...

*As of Friday13 of February th at 7:45pm

15TH

The Non-League Paper has long been, and continues to be, a passionate advocate for our sport a valued presence on newsstands across the country every weekend.

They offer a wide range of subscription options that would make excellent gifts for the special people in your lives who can’t get enough of Non-League football. Around 70% of postal subscribers receive their paper via courier on Sunday or Monday morning. An annual subscription to the Digital Edition brings the cost to less than £1 a week.

They have also launched a new Website Subscription, giving readers access to all of Sunday’s content online — again, less than £1 a week with an annual subscription.

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ALFIE LUND’S incredible memorabilia collection and fundraising were proudly honoured at The NLP’s National Game Awards ten years ago – now the Essex Senior League are aiming to help boost his scarf tally to 5,000!

Alfie’s dad Mark picked up the Unsung Hero award at our NGAs back in 2016 in recognition of all the family were doing in raising awareness of a rare life-limiting condition.

Apart from being an amazing story about a dad and lad’s connection to the beautiful game, it was touching to see the impact they were having.

What started at the local park grew into father and son travelling to games throughout the steps to collect enough items to surround a football pitch if tied together.

Mark arrived at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge – where we held the awards back in 2016 –with rolls of scarves he unfurled to decorate the room. It was quite the talking point among guests as they scoured the colourful display looking for clubs they knew.

Shirts donated along the way were later sold, with the funds raised going to MECP2 Duplication Syndrome UK, supporting families with respite breaks, long hospital stays, sensory equipment and, sadly, funeral costs.

Since then, Alfie’s scarf haul has passed 3,438 and the ESL are hoping to help them reach a huge milestone with clubs already donating their own colours.

“There is now a new target in sight, we at Essex Senior League would like to help get Alfie to 5,000 scarves!” the ESL said. “If any level of the game can help make that happen, it’s Non-League football.

“If any club, supporters or league can donate a scarf, old or new, you can help Alfie take another step towards that incredible milestone.”

While Alfie isn’t able to travel as far any more, the duo can often be seen out and about at Non-League grounds in the north west or at their Wigan Athletic. If you’ve got any scarves you’d like to donate and help boost the target, they’d be pleased to hear from you.

Mark Lund is contactable via his Facebook page https://facebook.com/mark.lund.127

The Non-League Paper

By Matthew Badcock Editor,

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

JASON ALEXANDER – Goalkeeper (b 22:08:88)

Jason returned to the Poppies in early August after an injury to Paul White. On the opening day of the season He needs no introduction as he became a cult hero with an absolutely unbelievable display last season against Cleethorpes Town in the FA Cup paving the way for a superb run Among Jason’s previous clubs include Boston United, Chesterfield, Belper Town, Corby Town, Belper Town and Melton Town On leaving the Poppies last season he went onto to play for Bedworth United, Coventry Sphinx and Matlock Town Jason’s return to Latimer Park saw an impressive 3-0 win over Leiston with another good display from the big man.

LEVI ANDOH – Defender (b 12:03:00)

Levi was born in Amsterdam (Netherlands) before moving to England aged 6 He first played for Cradley Town before the Thompson Rivers University in Canada He went onto to play for Worcester City, Solihull United, Ipswich Town, Lowestoft Town, Buxton, Hednesford Town, Darlington, Truro City, Hereford (3 spells) and York City Levi joined the Poppies during pre-season as the Poppies strengthened their defensive unit. Levi is a tall powerful versatile defender with strength and pace

*PRESTON BITEMO – Midfield (b 14:11:05)

Preston joined the Poppies in early November on loan from Hereford The youngster who impressed the Bulls also played for Hinckley AFC He joins the Poppies in transition as manager Liam McDonald begins to stamp his authority on the season Preston scored on his debut at Quorn, a sensational individual goal, sealing the 2-0 win.

*LEWIS COYLE – Defender (b 09:08:94)

Lewis was a Liam McDonald signing in early November on loan from Bedford Town Prior to his time with the Eagles, the experienced defender spent 5 seasons with Oxford City Lewis has also played for Thatcham Town He made an impressive debut at Quorn as the Poppies returned to winning ways with a 2-0 success

ISMAEL FATADJO – Winger (b 23:06:00)

Ismael was born in Portugal and joined the Poppies in the closed season from Leiston, having previously played for Wroxham, Kings Lynn Town and Gorleston (on loan from the Linnets) With goals in his locker, he is an exciting prospect bringing a different attacking dynamic to the squad Tragically ‘Ish’ broke his left arm in two places during the final game of the pre-season campaign which delayed his career with the Poppies, but he bounced back on his debut with a wonderful goal in the 3-1 home win against Bishop’s Stortford.

KAI FIFIELD – Midfield (b 14:07:03)

Kai joined the Poppies during pre-season in 2024 He previously played for Wantage Town, Wellingborough Whitworths, Beaconsfield U23 and St Ives Town He was noted for having a trial at Barcelona aged 7 when on holiday A live wire with definite talent he was given the chance to showcase his skills in the new look Poppies squad Kai scored his first goal for the club in the 4-0 home win over Spalding United at Latimer Park, just his second game for the Poppies. He went onto score 7 goals the most dramatic against AFC Telford United 5 minutes into time added on to rescue a 1-1 draw in a top of the table clash Kai was hampered midway through the season with injuries that disrupted an impressive first campaign with the club Kai has returned to the club after a successful loan spell at Quorn FC

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

GEORGE FORSYTH – Central midfield (b 04:12:98)

George re-joined the Poppies during the 2025-26 closed season from Banbury United He has previously played for Bromsgrove Sporting, Hereford, Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town, Stourbridge, Worcester City, Kidderminster Harriers, AFC Telford United and Banbury United George originally joined the Poppies a loan signing during November 2022 from Bromsgrove George left the club in June 2023 and joined AFC Telford United He returned on loan during January 2024 from the Bucks and played an integral part (as captain) in keeping the Poppies from avoiding relegation, he returned to AFC Telford after his loan spell expired, and later re-joined Bromsgrove Sporting for the onset of the 2024-25 season, later playing for Banbury United George is the club’s Captain

WILL GLENNON – Midfield / Central defender (b 02:01:03)

Will joined the Poppies in early August from Bedford Town The dynamic midfield / central defender is no stranger to Latimer Park having scored two goals last season in St Ives Town 3-2 win Will has previously played for AFC Hackleton, Bugbrooke St Michael, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Stamford AFC and St Ives who he left in the summer to join the Eagles Will add a different dynamic for the squad, he has undoubted ability and is a powerhouse going forward He has already shown his attacking intent with a wonderful set-piece against Barwell

BEN ISAACSON - Defender (b 13:10:04)

Ben a left back was signed in December by Liam McDonald from Bedford Town. A promising defender Ben has also played for Stamford AFC, AFC Sudbury, Kings’ Lynn Town and Norwich City (youth)

NATHAN JECHE – Centre-forward (b 30:05:05)

Nathan, a young forward was signed in January from table topping Whitstable Town (where he won the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium) He has previously played for Maidstone United, Fleet Town, QPR Development, Hemel Hempstead Town, Snodland Town and Cray Wanderers.

ALFIE LEWIS – Midfield (b 28:09:99)

Alfie is a product of the West Ham United academy and was part of the Hammers first team squad, without making a first-class appearance He went on loan from West Ham to St Patrick’s Athletic, of the League of Ireland Premier before joining them full-time Leaving Ireland Alfie joined Plymouth Argyle, playing in EFL League One and the FA Cup for the Pilgrims After leaving Argyle he joined Dundalk in the League of Ireland First Division before joining Aveley FC in the Vanarama National League South where he made 18 appearances, last term

RYAN MONGA – Forward (b 08:07:05)

Ryan, a young forward previously played for Nuneaton Borough and currently is a coach at the CP (Callum Powell) Academy He made his first-class debut against Quorn FC having previously played for the Poppies in the Northants Senior Cup

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

EDWARD PANTER – Striker (b)

Eddie a young striker joined the Poppies in late November a Liam McDonald signing from Bedford Town He was a member of the Eagles squad that won the 2024-25 Southern League Premier Central title, playing against the Poppies in the process Eddie has also played for Biggleswade Town, Harborough Town and Bugbrooke St Michaels

CALLUM POWELL – Forward (b 28:01:96)

Callum returned to Kettering Town in December 2024 from Braintree Town, having previously played for the Poppies during the 2020-21 & 2021-22 seasons. The former Northampton Town U18, Rugby Town, Wrexham, Tamworth, Stratford Town, Stourbridge, Nuneaton Borough and Buxton player scored 19 goals in 35 sensational appearances while with the club before a move to Southend United for an undisclosed fee in January 2022 Callum only managed 4 games for the Poppies last season as injury curtailed his second stint with the club, but he did add one more goal to his tally Callum is back after and firing on all cylinders adding to his goalscoring tally

BLAINE ROWE – Right back (b 22:03:02)

Blaine joined the Poppies in late October linking up with former manager Liam McDonald from their time at Stourbridge. The exciting defender previously played for Coventry City (youth/23), Ayr United, Falkirk, both on loan, Barwell, Darlington, Mickleover FC (loan), Hednesford Town and Stourbridge. Blaine has settled in well since joining the Poppies proving to be a valuable asset at the back.

ANDI THANOJ – Central midfielder (b 19:12:92)

Andi is a former Albanian U21 international born in Tirana He is a midfielder who has previously played for Grimsby Town, Alfreton Town, Harrogate Town, Redditch United and a 6-year spell at Boston United before joining Coalville Town The all-rounder who is a set piece specialist had an impressive first term with Poppies, he was instrumental last season in both the excellent FA Cup run and the Runners-up position in the league with a string of commanding performances

PAUL WHITE – Goalkeeper (b 11:10:94)

Paul originally signed for the Poppies in 2016, going on to make 159 appearances keeping 52 clean sheets, a very impressive statistic. He was a member of the 2018-19 Title winning side before embarking on a career with Hereford, St Ives Town, Peterborough Sports Coalville Town and Rushall Olympic Paul returned to Latimer Park during the closed season, making his first and as it turns out only appearance, due to an injury against Royston Town on the opening day of the season, forcing him off, in the thrilling 4-3 win

KAI WILLIAMS – Forward (b 17:04:97)

Kai joined the club in late October, and became manager Liam McDonald’s first signing for the Poppies, as he looked to rejuvenate the forward line Kai has previously played for Hereford, Worksop Town, Tamworth, AFC Telford United, Stratford Town, Bedworth United, Coventry United and Coventry City Youth

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

WES YORK – Defensive midfielder (b 10:05:93)

Wes joined the Poppies during the 2024-25 closed season from Coalville Town Wes’s career began at Anstey Nomads, before spells at Nuneaton Borough, Wrexham, Gateshead, York City and Brackley Town He has played at the highest levels of nonleague football and has featured against the Poppies in the past for Brackley and Coalville Town Wes always gives 100% in whatever position he plays in and excelled during the Poppies 2024-25 exciting season scoring some notable goals against Farsley Celtic in the FAC Cup and AFC Telford United in the Play-off final.

*ON LOAN

MANAGEMENT MANAGER – LIAM McDONALD

Worcester born Liam was appointed manager of Kettering Town in late October 2025 after the departure of Simon Hollyhead He is no stranger to the club having played for the Poppies under Marcus Law during the 2010-11 season Liam previously played for Barwell, Halesowen Town, Sutton Coldfield Town, Worcester City and Stafford Rangers He made his Poppies debut against Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park as the Poppies came away with a famous 2-1 win, also featuring in the last ever first-class game played at Rockingham Road against Southport. On leaving Kettering Liam was reunited with Law at Tamworth before joining Redditch United where he eventually became their manager. He went on to become the manager of Hednesford Town, Solihull Moors, Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge. Liam becomes the 66th different manager of the club since 1924.

ASSISTANT MANAGER – NICK GREEN

Nick is a former Poppy having played for the club during the 2010-11 season He had previously played for Aston Villa, Stourbridge Swifts, RC Warwick, Quorn and Barwell On leaving Kettering he went onto to Solihull Moors Nick became assistant manager at Redditch United, Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge all with manager Liam McDonald, he also managed Hednesford Town Nick made 7 appearances for Kettering scoring 1 goal against Cambridge United in a thrilling 2-2 draw

ASSISTANT COACH/ANALYST – TERRY THOMPSON

Terry is a former semi-professional player in the Scottish non leagues. He started coach education pathway with the Scottish Football Association during covid, gaining experience working from youth teams through to first team at Scottish Championship level

After relocating for work after Covid lock downs were lifted he had two seasons working between coach and Director of Football within the National League North and Southern League Premier Terry Currently holds a UEFA A Licence (level 4) candidate, Talent ID Licence (level 4) and accredited Performance Analyst with the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sports

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

LEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH – SHOHEIB EBRAHIM

Shoheib has extensive experience, knowledge and practical application of strength and conditioning practices to optimise player performance and minimise injury risk the majority of which was gained at his three seasons whilst at Mansfield Town FC He will support the first team by specifically undertaking GPS and load monitoring, hydration interventions and diet/nutrition plans.

SPORTS THERAPIST – MICHAEL HUNTER

Michael is a Sports Rehabilitator with experience across both academy and first team football environments He previously worked within the sports science department at Northampton town FC’s academy, and supported the First Team Head of Medical at Northampton Town FC as a Sports Therapist Intern, gaining valuable insight into elite level rehabilitation and player care during their League One campaign

Now in his third season as the club’s Sports Rehabilitator, Michael brings consistency, professionalism, and a strong foundation in injury assessment, rehabilitation planning, and evidence-based practice currently completing his MSc in Physiotherapy, he is committed to continually developing his clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care – helping players return to performance safely and efficiently.

HISTORY OF KETTERING TOWN

Kettering Town were originally formed in 1872, turning professional in 1891 The club graduated through twelve different leagues from 1892 until they became founding members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 The club maintained its status in the top flight of semi-professional football until the 2000–01 season

Many honours have found their way to Rockingham Road, winning the Midland Football League title in 1896 and 1900 The Southern League Championship was won on three occasions by the club, in 1928 and 1957 under Tommy Lawton and in 1973 under the guidance of Ron Atkinson In the 1930s the club won the East Midlands League and in 1948 the Poppies became Birmingham League Champions.

In a Southern League game against Bath City on 24 January 1976, Kettering became the first British club to play with a sponsor's name printed on their shirts after signing a deal with local firm Kettering Tyres. The deal was brokered by chief executive and manager Derek Dougan Four days later, The Football Association ordered the club to remove the slogan, but Dougan changed the words on the shirts to "Kettering T", and claimed that the T stood for "Town" Nonetheless, the FA ordered the club to remove the words, which the club did due to the threat of a £1,000 fine Shirt sponsorship was eventually legalised within the English game in 1977 Kettering are also the first ever British team to have their initials on their ground's floodlights

The club finished runners-up in the Football Conference in 1981, 1989, 1994 and 1998 The GMAC Cup, (the non-league, league Cup) was won in 1987 and the Poppies were runners-up in 1995, then known as the Bob Lord Trophy. County competitions have been won regularly by Kettering Town, with the Northants Senior Cup won on 28 occasions and the Maunsell Cup 13 times.

The FA Cup has brought success and publicity to Rockingham Road with the first-round proper being reached on 41 occasions In 1901 the club reached the last sixteen and in more modern times the Poppies reached the fourth-round proper in the 1988–89 season and also the third round in 1991–92 only to lose to Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers During the 1994–95 season the club made their debut live on Sky TV in a first-round tie against Plymouth Argyle, soon followed by another appearance against Wrexham at Rockingham Road As of 2013 (June) the Poppies had scored more goals than any other team in the FA Cup history, with 846 goals scored

Wembley has been reached on two occasions before. The Poppies lost 2–0 to Stafford Rangers in the 1979 FA Trophy Final. More recently, the FA Trophy Final in 2000 saw the Poppies lose a closely fought final with Kingstonian 3–2.

Most recently, the club were narrowly relegated on the last day of the 2000–01 season which ended 30 years in the top flight of non-league football The Poppies made a quick return to the Conference in the 2001/02 season winning the Southern Football League with a last-day victory at Tiverton Town under Carl Shutt, his first full season in charge

HISTORY OF KETTERING TOWN

Season 2005–06 was to be one of massive change at Rockingham Road In October 2005 it was announced that long-serving Chairman Peter Mallinger was to hand over the reins to a consortium consisting of Imraan Ladak, Mick Leech and England legend Paul Gascoigne Gascoigne was installed as manager, replacing Kevin Wilson, and ex-Arsenal stalwart Paul Davis was recruited as assistant manager

The eyes of the world were on Gascoigne and the Poppies, and media interest was massive However, for a variety of reasons, Gascoigne was only to remain in the job for thirty-nine days. Kevin Wilson was given his old job back, but only held onto it for two months as a run of one win in twelve games saw the Poppies slump into the bottom half of Conference North.

Chairman Imraan Ladak installed former Tamworth manager Mark Cooper as the new Kettering Town manager for the 2007–08 campaign The club finished the season as Conference North champions, breaking several records along the way (including seven consecutive wins at the start of the season, 29 wins overall, and a divisional record of 97 points) As a result, the club was promoted to the Conference National

In the 2008–09 season, Kettering Town beat Lincoln City, Notts County and Eastwood Town to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they faced Fulham at home While twice pulling even with the Premier League side and looking like they could possibly produce a draw late in the second half, they gave up two goals and ultimately lost a spirited match, 4–2.

Creditable finishes were achieved in the Blue Square Bet Premier League, until a disastrous move in 2011 from Kettering to Nene Park, the former home of Rushden and Diamonds, saw the Club in financial turmoil and relegation of two divisions followed a bottom of the table finish and the declaration of a CVA

In February 2012 George Rolls took over control of the club from Imraan Ladak, although Rolls wasn't officially the Kettering Town owner, he was involved in the day to day running of the club and John Beck was appointed manager On the 6th June 2012, George Rolls was suspended from football for five years after breaches of Football Association betting laws were proven, Rolls was also fined £10,000, and this led to the appointment of Ritchie Jeune as Chairman

In September 2012, Imraan Ladak the owner of the Club assumed the role of Interim Chairman after a dispute. John Beck who had been appointed as Manager in June 2012 was asked to leave the premises just before a game against Bashley on 6th October. On 8th October, the lights were switched off at Nene Park and several games were postponed by the Southern League in order that the Club could find new investors On 10th November 2012, Kettering recommenced their fixtures by playing Redditch United at Corby’s Steel Park with Alan Doyle as Caretaker Manager Volunteers, led by Northampton businessman Ritchie Jeune, ran the Club in the absence of the majority shareholder and Director with the support of the Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust

HISTORY OF KETTERING TOWN

Thomas Baillie, the former head of the Youth set up, took over as Manager in February 2013 with Alan Doyle becoming Football Technical Director, and the experienced Dean Thomas arrived to become Assistant Manager The inevitable relegation followed another season of turmoil and the club was placed in the Southern League Division One Central, with Dean Thomas assuming the Manager’s role and Thomas Baillie reverting to become Assistant Manager The Poppies moved again to Latimer Park ground sharing with Burton Park Wanderers

After a disappointing start to the 2013-14 Kettering whose Chairman was now Ritchie Jeune, went on a record 21 game unbeaten league run, following that up with 10 consecutive victories (9 in the league) in April, ending the season in third place just, 2 points behind Champions Dunstable Town and losing to Slough Town in the Calor League Division One Central Play-off

final in front of 2,331 at Latimer Park, the club’s most successful season in the last four campaigns Sensationally though Dean Thomas stood down as manager of the club in mid-May 2014, leaving his assistant Thomas Baillie to return as joint manager along with Scott Machin

The combination of the joint managers reaped the benefits from the previous season as the 2014-15 Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central Championship was won in style, at their first attempt, winning the division by 11 points. But the club wanted a sole manager for the 2015-16 season, Tom Baillie soon resigned and after that shock so did Scott Machin, paving the way for the return of Marcus Law to become the club’s 57th manager. Marcus steered the club to 6th position in the Evo-Stik Premier missing out on the play-offs by just one point. In 2016-17 the club finished in 9th place while winning the Northamptonshire Hillier Senior Cup (for the first time since 2001) in a thrilling final against rivals Corby Town at Sixfields, Northampton

The 2018-19 season saw manager Marcus Law guide the Poppies to the Evo-Stik League South Premier Central title, winning the league by a massive 14 points and promotion back to the Conference North But Marcus resigned his position in June 2019, paving the way for former Poppy Nicky Eaden, to guide the club in the Vanarama National League North for the 2019-20 campaign After 11 league games with just two wins and an FA Cup exit against Sutton Coldfield Town, Eaden was sacked Former Poppy and ex-Eastwood Town, Mansfield Town, Torquay United, Barrow and Guiseley manager Paul Cox was appointed in October with the Poppies bottom of the league!

Cox transformed the Poppies fortunes and was well on course to finish in a respectable league position until the Covid-19 pandemic forced the season to end null and void with only 31 of the 42 games played, final positions were decided on a points per game ratio The following 2020-21 season was even shorter, just 14 games for the Poppies, as financial implications due to the continued restrictions on fans in the ground, lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic, again made the season null & void after a vote in the National League North to discontinue (well the majority of clubs) the campaign

HISTORY OF KETTERING TOWN

Paul Cox embarked on the 2021-22 season, technically having not managed a game for the club despite being at the club for almost two seasons! But with the club in mid-table Cox’s tenure during his first full season lasted until Friday January 21st 2020, a day before our game away at Bradford (Park Avenue), when it was announced he and his staff had resigned to join rivals Boston United

The club wasted no time in appointing a successor as former Kings Lynn Town guru, Ian Culverhouse was appointed as the 60th Kettering Town manager, along with former Poppies goalkeeper Paul Bastock as his assistant and coach Joe Simpson They continued and improved the club’s form with the Poppies finishing 8th in the Vanarama National League North. Only engaged until the end of the season it was a surprise though that Culverhouse and his staff left the club two weeks later.

The search for a new manager began and in mid-May former Nottingham Forest and Port Vale star Lee Glover was appointed as the Poppies 61st for the onset of the 2022-23 season But a disappointing season with just 3 players on the books when he arrived, Lee built a squad that ultimately saw relegation on the final Saturday of the season when safety a few weeks earlier seemed most likely

Lee left the club in May by mutual consent The club prior to Lee’s departure saw long term chairman and owner Ritchie Jeune leave the club as a new owner was sought after

The 2023-24 season saw Poppies in the Southern League Premier Central with Andy Leese being appointed as the new manager, Again, he only had 4 players at his disposal at the start of his tenure at the club so the rebuilding began. But a poor start to the season saw the Poppies in the relegation zone, after 21 games Leese was replaced with his assistant and former Poppies player Jim Le Masurier, first in an interim capacity and then appointed as manager After a promising start he in turn took a step back in February and became part of new manager Richard Lavery’s backroom team ‘Lavs’ was no stranger to the club being part of Marcus Law’s, (his assistant), title winning side in 2018-19 He steered the club away from relegation, winning 5 consecutive league games, with 4 games to spare as the rebuild for the 2024-25 began in earnest

In May 2024, after 12 dramatic seasons legendary club owner Ritchie Jenue sold Kettering Town Football Club to Nadim (George) Akhtar, a new era began It was a great first season for the club, getting to the FA Cup 2nd round for the 17th time after dispatching Northampton Town 2-1 at Sixfields in front of millions around the world watching on BBC TV in the first round. A heart-breaking Play-off final defeat at the hands of AFC Telford United at Latimer Park saw the end of the Poppies campaign after finishing the regular season runners-up, in a tightly fought contest with eventual Champions Bedford Town

HISTORY OF KETTERING TOWN

It was all change in the summer 2025, with the surprise departure of manager Richard Lavery and the majority of the 2024-25 squad Former Banbury United manager Simon Hollyhead was appointed in July becoming the manager of the Club, and so began his task of shaping a squad for the 2025-26 campaign After a promising start winning the first 4 games fortunes changed dramatically with league defeats and early exits from both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, top players leaving the club, Simon resigned after just 13 games.

The search for another manager began, with former Poppy Liam McDonald being appointed becoming the 66th manager and 12th different since the Poppies arrived at Latimer Park since 2013 Liam’s first task was to resurrect the fortunes of the squad who were in mid-table obscurity

QUIZ ANSWERS! QUIZ ANSWERS!

Wehopeyouenjoyedourseventeentheditionof‘10ToTackle’ forthe2025/26season!Sometrickyonesinthere,sowelldone toanyonewhogets10/10thisweek.Let’sseehowyoudid!

1.Tomáš Souček

2.Leeds United

3.Jacob Ramsey

3 Jacob Ramsey

4.2-1 Newcastle

5.Jake O’Brien

5 Jake O’Brien

6.Antione Semenyo

7.3 points

8.Jørgen Strand Larsen

8 Jørgen Strand Larsen

9.Jefferson Lerma

10.Thomas Frank

We’ll have a brand new quiz ready in time for our next home fixture. Until then, thank you for playing and...

MATCHDAY SQUADS

Ollie Taylor (GK)

Ethan Creary

Aaron Smith

Jordan Williams

Jernade Meade

Jahrel McKoy

Ed Hottor

Michael Richens

Claudio Dias

Albie O’Keefe

Johnson Gyamfi

Gibou Njie

Theo Alexandrou

Liam Cross

Jiah Medrano

Alfie Shepherd

Evan Watkins

Neo Dobson

Matty Miles

Duncan Idehen

George Munday

Jason Alexander (GK)

Paul White (GK)

Levi Andoh

Preston Bitemo

Lewis Coyle

Ismael Fatadjo

Kai Fifield

Will Glennon

Ryan Inman

Ben Isaacson

Nathan Jeche

Alfie Lewis

Eddie Panter

Callum Powell

Blaine Rowe

Andi Thanoj

Kai Williams

Wes York

ManagementTeams

Ricky Marheineke (Manager)

Adam Fisher (Assistant)

Jim Freeman (Assistant)

Frankie Fry (First Team Coach)

Paul Swannell (Goalkeeping Coach)

Jardaine Patel-Joseph (Physio)

Liam McDonald (Manager)

Nick Green (Assistant Manager)

Terry Thompson (First Team Coach)

James Logan (First Team Coach)

Shoheib Ebrahim (First Team Coach)

Jacob Davis (Chief Scout)

Michael Hunter (Sports Therapist)

MATCH INFO

KitColours

Shirts-Black and White Stripe

Shorts-Black

Socks-Black

GoalkeeperKit

Shirts-White And Blue Hoops

Shorts-Blue With White Stripe

Socks-White and Blue Hoops

GoalkeeperKit

Referee-Thomas Whay

Assistant-Benjamin Darken

Assistant-Alexandru Birnea

LocationDetails

Stadium-Quattro-Tech Westwood Road

Pitch Type-3G Surface

Kick Off-3:00 PM