The Jakemans Community Stadium hosts a thrilling 6-pointer on bank holiday Monday as Lee Glovers' Kettering team face fellow strugglers Boston United.
After 4 games of the 2022/23 season, both teams find themselves in the relegation zone of the National League North. Boston however are in a much worse position. The Pilgrims sit at rock bottom collecting just two points from 5 games with a goal difference of -7! After manager Paul Cox made the switch from Kettering to Boston last season, they managed to make their way into the Vanarama National League North play-off final. However, they lost out 2-0 to York City in the final. A busy transfer window saw them spend a lot of money and bring in Kettering trio Jordon Crawford, Rhys Davies and Player Of The Year Alex Brown. Despite this, the season hasn't gone as expected. An 8-goal thriller saw them lose 5-3 to Southport on the opening day with Crawford getting two goals from the bench. They have also lost 2-0 against Gloucester and 4-1 versus Chorley. Their only two points have come from draws against newly-promoted Banbury United and Scarborough Athletic. Boston were given red cards in both of these games. So far Jordon Crawford is a diamond in the rough scoring 3 goals in 5 games. Paul Cox will need to push for a win against Kettering in order to secure the safety of his job. Many Boston fans are disappointed with his tactics and are demanding for him to get sacked.
Kettering Town also find themselves in the relegation zone after 5 games of the 2022/23 season but a win would lift them to safety. Lee Glover's side looked to be on the up after a draw with Bradford (Park Avenue) and a comfortable 2-0 win against Telford United. But a disappointing defeat at Tameside against Curzon Ashton saw the players and fans lose hope going into the game against unbeaten Alfreton Town. The Reds had an early penalty which, to the delight of the Kettering fans, was saved by 'Keeper Cameron Gregory but rebounded in just after courtesy of Dayle Southwell. Kettering forward Sam Bennett powered a shot home and claimed an equaliser in the 20th minute. After a good half from both teams, it was anyone's game to take. Alfreton came out stronger and scored goals in the 61st and 66th minutes. Kettering looked deflated and were really struggling to play real football. A few lat chances saw the game finish 3-1 to Alfreton and now Kettering fans have lost all optimism about travelling to Boston on Monday.
Team News
Boston United
Boston have suffered injuries and red cards already this season which contributes to their poor results. Captain Luke Shiels picked up a red card against Banbury United and might not be able to feature on Monday depending on the length of the ban. Jaanai Gordon-Hutton was shown red against Scarborough on Saturday but should be available on Monday as the red card wouldn't have been processed yet. Tom Platt and Zak Mills missed The Pilgrims' last game due to injury and illness respectively.
Kettering Town
The Poppies have managed to avoid red cards and injuries so far this season so Glover can pick his strongest eleven. George Cooper came straight into the starting squad after arriving on loan from Mansfield. That was Glover's only change from the last two lineups. He is expected to make changes on Monday after his current selection is failing to succeed.
Likely Lineups
Boston United
Long, Brown, Abbott, Leesley, Ferguson, Atkinson, Crawford, Pollock, Gordon, Belehouan, Oppong.
Kettering Town
Gregory, Sault, Cooper, White, Toseland, Gascoigne, Oluwabori, Storher, Ward, Graham, Bennett
Key Players
Jordon Crawford
Jordon is an attacking forward he has a sharp eye for goal and never stops running and putting in 100%. He was signed by Paul Cox at Kettering from Corby Town in 2021. Last season, he scored 6 goals in 34 games at Kettering and Paul Cox signed him again at Boston where he already has 3 goals in 4 games. At only 25, he has a bright future and had many clubs after him in the summer including Kettering who made an attempt to retain him.
Sam Bennett
Sam Bennett is a player who is standing out in Kettering's struggles this season. He is a centre-forward who can adapt to play on the wing if necessary. So far he has 2 goals this season scoring against Telford United and Alfreton Town. He was one of Glover's first signings and came from Wisbech Town after winning their player of the year award for the 2021/22 season.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Boston United are the hosts in this case so the game will be played at the Jakemans Community Stadium. It was built recently and has a capacity of around 6000.
What time is kick-off?
The kick-off is at 15:00 along with all other Vanarama National League games on bank holiday Monday.
How can I watch it?
There will be no official live stream but Kettering Town FC on YouTube will provide live commentary.
