Poppies and King's Lynn ready for a huge summit clash

The Poppies bounced back from their first home league defeat at the hands of Hereford in emphatic style as they thumped struggling Dunstable Town 6-0 last weekend before picking up an impressive 4-2 success at St Neots Town on Boxing Day.

With leaders King’s Lynn being held to a 1-1 draw by St Ives Town last Tuesday, it means the Poppies now sit just a point behind them going into today's big game.

And while boss Marcus Law believes an “exciting afternoon” is in store to kick-off 2018, he is also looking at the bigger picture.

Having accumulated 14 points from a possible 21 in December, the Poppies manager is hoping to at least match that ratio or better it in January.

And if his team can do it, Law believes it will put them well on the way to securing at least a play-off place at the end of the season.

“If we can have another month like that then I think it will go a long way towards securing a play-off place,” he said.

“The aim, as it always is, will be to try to gain maximum points from the month.

“If we can get somewhere close to that then I think we will be looking good for a top-five finish and then, further to that, being in contention for the title.

“Hereford and Slough have a lot of games to play in January and by the end of the month, they will have nearly caught up so the league table will have a much clearer look to it.

“From our point of view, we just have to keep going.

“King’s Lynn have one of the best away records in the league in terms of points they have gained and we have one of the best home records so it is set up perfectly.

“Hopefully it will be a big crowd, hopefully the weather is kind and if it all comes together then it should be a very exciting afternoon.”

Today could also produce a landmark moment for Kettering legend Brett Solkhon who is waiting to make his 500th appearance for the club.