Adams: Poppies are one of the big boys

The former Poppies midfielder brings his Stratford team to Latimer Park this weekend, although the game is already in doubt due to pitch still being waterlogged.

Adams was part of Peter Morris’ team that finished runners-up to Cheltenham Town in the Conference in 1999 and he also played in the 3-2 defeat to Kingstonian in the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2000.

Stratford claimed a 2-1 victory over Kettering back in September but the Poppies have found some good form of late, despite being frustrated by a series of postponements.

Adams’ team currently sit in 15th place, seven points behind his former club.

He still believes they are “one of the biggest” non-League clubs but he insists his team will be coming to win on Saturday.

“They (Kettering) are a massive non league club - one of the biggest,” Adams, whose team were beaten 3-0 at Cirencester Town on Tuesday, said.

“I have very fond memories of Kettering. We went to Wembley and I nearly won the league in my time there.

“It’s a massive club and it’s a shame to see how they have gone since the Rockingham Road days.

“They are definitely one of the big boys. They might be 10th but, like us, they have games in hand and one win puts them in the play-offs.

“You’d be happy to go to Kettering and get a draw, but we’ll be trying to win it. Draws are no good to us.”