Bridgwater says Poppies will be ready for Wellingborough Town challenge
David Bridgwater believes the Kettering Town players have learned plenty from their weekend trip to the Dog & Duck ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup replay clash with Wellingborough Town (ko 7.45pm).
The Poppies were denied victory first time out by a late Rhys Kelly header which ensured the Doughboys claimed a 2-2 draw and a second bite at the cherry.
But Bridgwater admitted the home side were well worth the share of the spoils, and that the Doughboys had 'upped their levels' from when the sides met in pre-season, with Kettering winning 2-0 on that occasion.
So that may have come as something of a surprise at the weekend, but Bridgwater says they will now have a clearer picture of what to expect in the replay.
"We played Wellingborough in pre-season, so the boys had an idea what they could do," said the joint boss after Saturday's encounter.
"But from what I have seen they have upped their levels, they are confident, and they have won five out of five in the league and are flying.
"They have some really good players, but our boys know what they are about now, and I am not saying that will make things easier, but it will make them more aware.
"We do need to improve.
"Is the extra game an inconvenience? Maybe.
"But it is another game in the FA Cup and the lads can't moan can they.
"We are playing at our place, hopefully there will be more than 1,000 there cheering us on, and we have a job to do.
"The lads are going to prepare right, we are going to prepare right, and we are looking forward to it."
Quotes courtesy of Peter Short