Kettering are ready for a big test at Boston

The Kettering Town squad were put through their paces in a training session after their Boxing Day clash with Brackley Town was postponed. Pictures by Peter Short

The Poppies missed out on the traditional Boxing Day fixture as their Vanarama National League North derby with Brackley Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Latimer Park.

But they haven’t got to wait long for their next chance to get out on the pitch as they face a tough trip to eighth-placed Boston United, who are unbeaten in seven home league matches this season.

It will be Kettering’s last-ever visit to York Street with the Pilgrims set to move to a new stadium from the start of next season.

Manager Paul Cox and coach Ben Marvin watch on as they put the Poppies players through a training session on Boxing Day

It’s a fixture that is rich in history and, while conceding it will represent a tough examination for his team, Cox is hoping the Poppies can maintain their recent good form.

Kettering head to Lincolnshire on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run in the league since Cox took charge, which has moved them five points clear of the relegation zone.

And the Poppies boss said: “I think the lads are champing at the bit now.

“I think they have a bit of cabin fever if they are honest, they want to get out there.

“We didn’t let Boxing Day go to waste, we had a good training session and a good blow out just to make sure we are prepared for two very tough games coming up.

“I love Boston’s ground, it’s old school and it’s steeped in history.

“They have got a good home record this season so we know it’s going to be tough.

“But we will go there to try to play our game and impose ourselves on the fixture. We are looking forward to it.”

The Poppies will have Jay Williams available for selection after he rejoined the club on loan from Northampton Town while another Cobblers youngster - striker Michael Harding - will begin a work experience deal when they head to Brackley on New Year’s Day.

But Kettering will be without Lindon Meikle, who suffered a knee injury in training which ruled him out of last weekend’s 2-0 win at Alfreton Town, while they are still sweating on the fitness of frontman Aaron O’Connor.

“Lindon is probably going to be another week to 10 days I’d have thought,” Cox added.

“With Aaron, we are assessing him on a 24-hour basis but we don’t want to rush him.

“There are a few knocks and niggles but we will go into it with what we have available. We will have a strong mindset and we will try to pick up three points.”