Poppies facing tough test on opening day as Alvechurch head to Latimer Park
Kettering Town will start the 2026/27 Pitching-In Southern League campaign with a home fixture against Alvechurch, who are managed by former England goalkeeper and Premier League winner Tim Flowers.
The fixture also sets up an immediate return to Latimer Park for former captain George Forsyth, who joined the Church during the summer following the disappointment of the Poppies’ play-off semi-final defeat against Real Bedford.
The Worcestershire side have also strengthened their squad by signing two more former Poppies, Archie Crowther and the prolific Ben Stephens, who has joined from last season's champions Harborough Town.
After a tough start the to campaign, Kettering face two road trips to take on new sides to the league.
First there is a midweek trip to newly-promoted Leighton Town, who haven't visited Latimer Park since 2015.
Following that is a short journey to Leamington to renew an old rivalry against the Brakes, who now managed by Scott Easterlow following the mid-season departure of club legend Paul Holleran.
Leamington were relegated from National League North last season.
Other highlights include the crucial Christmas fixtures.
The Poppies will host Banbury United on Boxing Day and will then travel to Lincolnshire for the first fixture of 2027, where they take on Stamford on January 2.
Should the season pan out as fans will hope, Kettering end with a favourable run-in by hosting two newly promoted sides (Racing Club Warwick and Hitchin Town) before ending the regular season at Bishop's Stortford - look out pubs and bars in Hertfordshire!
Before the action can begin, Kettering still have a number of pre-season fixtures to complete.
They host a Watford Under-21s side at Latimer Park on Saturday (3pm) before travelling to St Neots Town on Tuesday (7:45pm).