Poppies and Steelmen both handed testing ties in the FA Cup

Kettering Town have been handed a tricky trip to Long Eaton United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Poppies enjoyed a brilliant run to the second round proper last season.

Presenter Alex Scott and BBC cameras were at Latimer park for Kettering Town's second round defeat to Doncaster Rovers last season (Picture: Peter Short)

placeholder image — Presenter Alex Scott and BBC cameras were at Latimer park for Kettering Town's second round defeat to Doncaster Rovers last season (Picture: Peter Short)

Under the stewardship of Richard Lavery, the Poppies secured a memorable 2-1 first round win at county rivals Northampton Town in front of the BBC TV cameras.

The Poppies saw off their Sky Bet League One hosts thanks to goals from Nile Ranger and Luca Miller.

Kettering were then back in front of the BBC cameras in the second round, and turned in another great performance before losing out 2-1 to league two side Doncaster Rovers after extra-time.

They start this season's FA Cup journey with an away day at a Long Eaton side that play in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division. The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 30.

Eaton, who were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Corby Town last season, are once again expected to challenge at the top end of the Step 4 section this season.

The Steelmen, who also beat Long Eaton 1-0 on the first day of the season earlier this month, are also in the first qualifying round when they will entertain Gainsborough Trinity at Steel Park on August 30.

It is a tough draw for Corby, with Gainsborough playing at Step 3 in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Gary Setchell's side sealed their place in the hat for Monday's draw with a 2-0 win at United Counties League side Sileby Rangers on Saturday.

Corby won it at Fernie Fields thanks to first-half goals from Reuben Marshall and Gary Stohrer.