Kettering Town face AFC Telford United as Latimer Park hosts a second consecutive game. Kettering picked up their first point on Saturday while Telford remain unbeaten after two games played.

Lee Glover and his team fought a long and frustrating battle in unbearable heat on Saturday. A stunning Andrew Oluwabori goal sent The Poppies into the lead in the 78th minute. However, The Green Army replied with a well-finished attack just three minutes later. Lee Glover thought "The game management was wrong" and that the defending leading to Bradford's equaliser "Shouldn't be happening". Kettering ended the day frustrated as many believed a point was a lot less than what they deserved. 

Telford faced Spennymoor who had a 6 goal thriller in Gameweek one. It was a tense game as both teams looked lively but it was a while before a goal came. Spenny's Mark Anderson gave them the lead in the 62nd minute but Telford made it 1-1 after just over ten minutes. Paul Carden's side ended the day 8th in the league which leaves them just short of playoffs. The Bucks finished last season in 20th position, only two points off relegation. Carden will be pleased with Telford's fast start and will look to improve on a poor 2021/22 campaign. 

Team News

Kettering Town

Glover's side remained injury free after Saturday's game despite playing on a hard and depleted pitch in extreme weather conditions. Mansfield loanee George Cooper is yet to be named in a 2022/23 Kettering squad after sustaining an injury while playing for Mansfield. Peterborough United loanees Janos Bodnar and Andrew Oluwabori have started every Kettering game so far. 

AFC Telford United

Telford had a very busy transfer window bringing in many players on loan deals and short-term contracts. The key transfers included York City defender Matty Brown. A 6ft 4 commanding centre-back will be a key part of Paul Carden's team as they look to get back on track after a few tough seasons. They have also got the signature of 6ft 5 striker Nate Blissett who spent two seasons at Maidenhead in the Vanarama National League. Telford came into pre-season with a drought of strikers so Nate was a necessity to them going forward. Many key players from last season agreed on new contracts for the upcoming season. This includes players such as Devarn Green and Luke Pilling. Telford also avoided injuries this weekend and therefore can play their strongest team.

• Likely lineups

Kettering Town

Gregory, Bodnar, Reilly, White, Toseland, Gascoigne, Oluwabori, Stohrer, Sheriff, Ward, Sharpe

AFC Telford United

Pilling, Carson, Piggott, Brown, Flowers, Nolan, Ekpolo, McLintock, Green, Moore, Blissett.

• Key Players

Gary Stohrer

Gary Stohrer signed for Kettering in 2017 and is a member of The Poppies' Hall of Fame. He is a guaranteed starter and originally a right back but now starts games from the centre of the midfield. He works tirelessly for 90 minutes and is crucial to Glover and the team. 

He is a fan favourite and was chosen regularly by previous managers Paul Cox and Ian Culverhouse. He has won many individual awards since signing for Kettering.

With just 1 goal last year in 31 appearances, he is a defensive-minded player who has great experience and commands the team. He has been captain of Kettering for 2 years and was part of Marcus Law's squad which gained promotion to The Vanarama National League North.

Devarn Green

Devarn is a well-experienced right wing/centre forward who Telford signed in March from EFL League Two (at the time) team Scunthorpe United. Devarn played for Southport and Tranmere Rovers before being snapped up by Scunthorpe. He also played in the Premier League 2 with Blackburn Rovers before being released.

At only 25 years of age, he has racked up 118 appearances in many different leagues and cups while scoring 11 goals and assisting 7 along the way.

He recently signed a new deal to keep him at The Bucks Head for another year. Paul Carden thought a new contract was necessary as he was a key player at the end of last season.  

• Match Details

Where is the game being played?

As Kettering are the home team, the game will be played at Latimer Park. This will be the second game at this ground in 5 days. Latimer Park is a ground share with Burton Park Wanderers. The record-breaking heat and predicted rain will result in the pitch being in poor condition and will be challenging to play on. 

What time is kick-off?

The kick-off will be at 19:45 along with all other Vanarama National League matches in Gameweek 3. 

How can I watch it?

There will be no official liver stream but Kettering Town FC on YouTube will be producing a live commentary stream for people who can not attend.

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