Boxing Day derby is called off

The Boxing Day derby between Kettering Town and Brackley Town has been called off due to a waterlogged surface at Latimer Park. Picture by Peter Short

The big Vanarama National League North Boxing Day derby between Kettering Town and Brackley Town has been postponed.

The decision was made on the evening of Christmas Day due to the Latimer Park pitch still being waterlogged following the torrential rain in the county on Wednesday.

A short statement from the Poppies said: "We are sorry to announce that following conversations with the league, Brackley Town and the match referee all parties have agreed to postpone the game on Boxing Day due to a waterlogged pitch."

Kettering can now prepare for their trip to Alfreton Town on Monday (3pm kick-off) while Brackley entertain Gloucester City at St James Park.

The two Northamptonshire rivals are scheduled to clash at St James Park next Saturday (January 2) but, with the county now being in Tier 3 of the Covid-19 restrictions, matches will be played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.