Latimer Park plays host to an exciting battle as Billy Heath looks to extend his unbeaten run while Lee Glover attempts to get his side back on track after a defeat at Tameside.
After four games of the 2022/23 season, The Poppies sit 18th in the Vanarama National League North table picking up 4 points. Lee Glover has a tough challenge ahead of him but seems to be coping well. After a frustrating draw at home against Bradford (Park Avenue), Kettering looked to be on the up after a comfortable win against AFC Telford United shortly after. With goals coming from Sam Bennett and Andrew Oluwabori, Glover was pleased with the team's performance and explained how he expects the same every week. However, the Poppies' party was crashed at Tameside when they failed to score against Curzon Ashton and conceded a crucial goal in the 38th minute. Despite the defeat, the Kettering camp were pleased with how they played but just struggled to produce an end product on the day.
Billy Heath's Alfreton have had a much more successful start to the new season. They find themself 7th in the league standings collecting 6 points along the way. The Reds began their season against Chester at The Impact Arena. Chester scored two goals in the first 23 minutes courtesy of Willoughby and Lynch. Alfreton replied quickly by pulling one back in the 28th minute which was scored by Tom Denton. It looked to be all over for Alfreton as Chester were cruising to the 3 points until that man again Tom Denton scored in injury time to salvage a point for Alfreton. Alfreton then failed to score in their next two fixtures drawing 0-0 with Farsley Celtic and Spennymoor Town. However, in their most recent game, goals were certainly not hard to come across. A thrilling first half saw the reds put four goals past Southport's 'keeper. Dayle Southwell got two of them which makes him joint top goalscorer so far. Southport did manage to prevent an embarrassing game by not conceding in the second half. Alfreton travel to Latimer Park off the back of this win which could spur them on to continue their good start to the season.
Team News
Kettering Town
Lee Glover has fielded the same team for the last two games after seeing it succeed against Telford. However, Mansfield's George Cooper has finally come into the Kettering squad on a season-long loan. George was a key part of the squad last year and fans are pleased he chose to return. It is unclear whether he will start and who he will swap with, however. So far, The Poppies are injury-free and everyone in the squad is available for selection.
Alfreton Town
Billy Heath has suffered some difficulties. Matt Rhead was substituted in the 8th minute against Spennymoor due to injury. He then missed the game against Southport for the same reason. It is unclear whether he is able to start on Saturday. Connor Branson received a red card against Spennymoor Town but it was appealed and later overturned. Most of Heath's summer signings came from lower leagues however there were a few that stood out. Experienced striker Tom Denton signed from National League outfit Chesterfield he has impressed by already claiming two goals. They also managed to loan in Mansfield duo Jack Deakin and Cody Collins.
Likely Lineups
Kettering Town
Gregory, Sault, Cooper, White, Toseland, Gascoigne, Oluwabori, Storher, Ward, Sharpe, Bennett.
Alfreton Town
Willis, Lund, Wilder, Cantrill, Smith, Wiley, Preston, Branson, Denton, Southwell, Hobson.
Key Players
Keaton Ward
22-year-old midfielder Keaton Ward signed for Kettering in the summer after being brought in on trial by Lee Glover. His career began in 2019 when he moved from Mansfield under 18s to Barnsley under 21s. After a 2 year stay, Keaton was released and then picked up shortly after by the Mansfield first team. He featured in pre-season friendlies and even some league games. However, he was released this summer. He is a playmaker with an incredible passing range and good decision-making. He has started every game for Kettering so far, impressing in all.
Tom Denton
Tom is a 33-year-old, well-experienced striker. He was signed by Billy Heath from Chesterfield in the summer. He has played for many teams such as Huddersfield and Cheltenham. In the National League, he has racked up an impressive 33 goals and 5 assists in 116 games! He has proven to be a good signing for The Reds as he got 2 goals in his first game. He is expected to start on Saturday and will be a real threat to Kettering's defence.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Kettering Town are the hosts for this game so the game will be played at Latimer Park which has hosted two games this season.
What time is kick-off?
The kick-off is at 15:00 along with all other matches in the Vanarama National League North.
How can I watch it?
There will be no official live stream but Kettering Town FC on YouTube will provide live commentary.
