EMIRATES FA CUP | A TALE OF TWO TOWNS

Sending our best wishes to Kettering Town and Harborough Town

It’s Emirates FA Cup first round proper weekend as the Southern League is being represented by two clubs who have their own stories to tell in the world’s most renowned domestic cup competition.

For Kettering Town, currently flying high at the top of the Premier Central, they head to local EFL side, Northampton Town, holding the record for the most FA Cup goals scored, which currently stands at an impressive 920.

They will be hoping to add to it when they do battle with hosts who sit in the lower half of Sky Bet League One. The game will also be screened live on BBC Two on Saturday evening.

“From a personal point of view and fans’ point of view, this is the best draw you could ask for,” said Poppies’ manager, Richard Lavery. “The interest has been phenomenal and it’s great to see the buzz that this tie has created.

“This club really is a sleeping giant and occasions such as this just show how big it can be. The club hasn’t performed for a number of years, the fans deserve so much more, but we’re in a great place right now at the top of the table and in the first round of the FA Cup. Long may this continue.

“We will savour every minute of it, give it everything we’ve got and see where it takes us.”

Around 12 miles away at Harborough Town, the Premier Central club are preparing for their first-ever taste of first round action.

They have been handed a trip to Tonbridge Angels, who sit midway in the Vanarama National League South table.

“I am so proud of what this club has achieved,” said Bees’ Chairman, Peter Dougan. “We’re not a big town and to get to this stage of the competition is an unbelievable achievement.

“It’s fantastic for the club and the local area. We want to be a big part of the local community and this helps to put us out there.

“We go into the tie in a positive frame of mind; the manager and coaching staff will prepare the team well, as they always do. We go into it as underdogs, someone has to be, but we’ll give it a good go.

“It’s great to be part of the FA Cup story and we’ll be doing all we can to continue our journey.”

We send our very best wishes to both Kettering Town and Harborough Town.