Boss Lavery 'not bothered' who Kettering Town draw in FA Cup first round

The Poppies booked their place in the hat with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Vanarama National League North side Farsley Celtic on Saturday, with Isiah Noel-Williams netting a stoppage time winner.

The Poppies had led early thanks to a Wes Yotk header, but wasted a glut of chances as they dominated the game before Farsley equalised on 57 minutes.

The home side were then reduced to 10 men with seven minutes remaining, and the Poppies took full advantage, with Noel-Williams lashing home the winner from close range to spark wild celebrations.

It means the Poppies have reached the first round proper for the first time since 2011, and will take their place in the draw alongside the likes of Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic, Wrexham and county neighbours Northampton Town.

Kettering are ball number 53, and the draw, which is being made at Valley Parade, the home of Bradford City, will be shown live on BBC television.

Lavery is obviously delighted to have made the first round, but admits he has no preference when it comes to who the Poppies are drawn against.

"I am not bothered who we get," said Lavery.

"A home draw maybe against a team that is a winnable game? Or you look at the other side and go and get a bigger team away.

"That would be a bit of a money day and maybe go out, but I am not too bothered.

"It's the first time in a long time (Poppies have made the first round) and it is great for the club.

"It was a great occasion, for the new owners, for myself, for the team and we are on to good things at the miute."

Defender Connor Johnson echoed his manager's thoughts on the first round draw, although he does admit a trip to one of the EFL's lower league big boys would 'be a different experience '.

"If we can get a big team then great, but I don't think it really matters who we get," said Johnson.

"But it would be nice for the lads if it was a big team, as it would be a different experience wouldn't it?"

Johnson was one of the Poppies' star performers on against Farsley, but admitted he was perhaps lucky not to see red himself a few minutes before Farsley's Conor Branson was sent-off for a hefty challenge.

Johnson was the last man as he brought down Danny Greenfield as he bore down on goal, and he admitted: "I thought I might get a red card for that.

"It was risk and reward and I got a yellow in the end, so it worked out n my favour."

Noel-Williams' late, late winner led to jubilant celebrations on and off the pitch as the players, staff and travelling supporters enjoyed the moment.

"They were unreal to be fair," said Johnson when asked about the celebrations at the end of the game.

"I think it would have been nice to win it 1-0, but then obviously the way we won it in the end was unreal.

"You can't really ask for much more. The lads enjoyed it and we are a proper close group.

"This team is special, with all the lads there is not one bad egg in there.

"All the lads work hard and everyone is in it for the same reason."

Johnson rejoined the club in the summer having spent the past two seasons with National League North side Peterborough Sports, and he says it is a decision he is delighted to have made.

"I am glad I came to Kettering, it is my home town," said Johnson.

"Obviously I was away for two years but it is my town, and I love Kettering."

Quotes courtesy of Peter Short