Poppies are 'champing at the bit' for their tough Trophy test

The Kettering Town players are gearing up for their FA Trophy fourth-round clash with Leamington this weekend. Picture by Peter Short

Paul Cox says his Kettering Town players are “champing at the bit” for more match action as they gear up for a change of focus this weekend.

The Poppies haven’t played since January 5 when they drew 2-2 at Boston United after last Saturday’s Vanarama National League North clash with Gateshead was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Latimer Park.

Cox’s team are now set to return to home soil this weekend when they take on league rivals Leamington in the fourth round of the Buildbase FA Trophy.

The Poppies go into the clash having suffered just one defeat in the last 11 matches in all competitions but they will be up against a team who are in even better form than that.

Paul Holleran’s Leamington team have been beaten just once in their last 15 games in all competitions and picked up an impressive 2-1 league success at FA Cup heroes Chorley on Tuesday night.

It’s a run that sees the Brakes well-placed in eighth spot in the league table while they also knocked out National League side Wrexham on penalties in the third round of the Trophy.

And while respect is most definitely due, Cox believes the cup tie gives his players something to get their “teeth into”.

“The lads are champing at the bit, especially after the game being called off last week,” the Poppies boss said.

“There’s a bit of excitement around the place, first and foremost because we want to get a game on and get back out there.

“But, after that, we are not a million miles away from the final itself so there’s something for both clubs to really aim for. It’s something we want to get our teeth into.

“I think it will be a good cup tie.

“You look at Leamington’s form and they are being very, very consistent. They are having a really good season so it’s going to be tough.”

Should Saturday’s clash finish level after 90 minutes, it will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

The winners will receive £5,250 and will be in Monday’s fifth-round draw while the losers will collect £1,500 from the FA’s prize fund.