Poppies at home to Yaxley in FA Cup

Kettering Town have been drawn at home to UCL outfit Yaxley in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round to be played on Saturday 30th September.

Yaxley FC, located just South of Peterborough off the A1, have yet to record a league win so far this season in 7 attempts and are currently lying bottom-but-one in the United Counties League. Their FA Cup form however, is in stark contrast having reached the 2nd Qualifying Round stage after two away victories in the earlier rounds.

First beating Essex Senior League outfit Hullbridge Sports 2-0 in front of 54 spectators at Lower Road in the Preliminary round, before knocking out Isthmian Division One North side Wivenhoe Town 2-1 in front of 83 spectators at Broad Lane.

The Cuckoos won at Wivenhoe in somewhat dramatic fashion. Taking an early lead through Mark Paul, they were pegged back by the Dragons before regaining their lead through captain Ricky Hailstone. The Cuckoos skipper was subsequently dismissed and one man down they conceded a late penalty. Fortunately for them the spot kick was missed and they went through 2-1.

The average home attendance for Yaxley at the Drove in their three league matches so far this season is 70. Poppies fans may remember several familiar faces in the Cuckoo's lineup, namely Ricky Hailstone and Mark Paul.