Kettering are ready to do their '˜utmost' to ensure cup success

Marcus Law will be hoping his Kettering Town team can bounce back in the FA Cup this weekend

The Poppies will be looking to bounce back at Latimer Park when they take on Evo-Stik League East Division side AFC Mansfield in the second qualifying round clash.

Kettering had their 100 per cent start to the new campaign ended as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Leiston in the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central last Saturday before a makeshift line-up went down by the same scoreline to Cogenhoe United in the first round of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

But Law believes his side can get the result they want this weekend, although he feels they will need to be at their best to do it.

“We have done our research on them (Mansfield) and we will respect them like we do with everyone else,” the Poppies boss said.

“The stakes are high for both clubs and we will be doing our utmost to get a positive result.

“They will have a lot of endeavour and they have one or two players with a bit of experience. They are a more than capable team.

“But our aim is to make sure we have the right personnel on the pitch.

“If we can do that and we perform to our highest level, which we will need to, then we will give ourselves a good chance of getting the result we want.”

The Poppies have been hit by an injury and suspension crisis over the past couple of weeks but there are signs it appears to be easing.

Andrea Borg featured for 45 minutes in midweek after injury while Lindon Meikle also played on his return from suspension.

Brett Solkhon (ankle) and Declan Towers (groin) are both set for late fitness tests while Dion Kelly-Evans sits out the last of a three-match ban.

Law added: “We got 45 minutes into Durrell Berry and Andrea without any reaction and then we took them off and we got Lindon 70 minutes as well.

“The substitutions were calculated and planned and to get Dion out there for 90 minutes before his suspension runs out was pleasing.

“The priority was to have players ready or closer to fitness for tomorrow.

“There will be a couple of fitness tests to do as well. Brett and Declan are both feeling confident so we will protect them in training and then have a look at them on the day.”

The Poppies, meanwhile, have organised a fans’ forum which will take place at Latimer Park ahead of tomorrow’s game to provide an update on the club’s ground situation.

A statement said: “The club are delighted to announce that we will be holding a fans’ forum this coming Saturday ahead of our FA Cup tie against AFC Mansfield.

“The event will take place in the clubhouse, starting at 1pm and will provide those in attendance with an update on our ground situation.”