Ramshaw happy as Poppies book a final date

James Hall hit the only goal of the game as Kettering Town beat Brackley Town to seal a place in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup final

The Poppies will now meet Corby Town in the county showpiece at Northampton Town’s Sixfields home on Tuesday, April 11.

James Hall’s second-half strike proved to be enough to beat Kevin Wilkin’s Vanarama National League North outfit, who dominated possession but failed to find a way through a resolute Poppies defence.

The Poppies handed another start to youngster Jack O’Connor who impressed in a midfield role and Ramshaw was left to reflect on a good job done.

“We are through to a cup final, which is always nice,” the Kettering assistant-manager said.

“It keeps the season alive I suppose and I thought the boys did very well.

“It was almost like a reversal of what normally happens at home where they had the majority of possession and we have defended exceptionally well and caught them on the break for the goal.

“How many teams have done that to us when they have come here this season? So it was nice to turn it around.

“The boys defended excellently, individually and as a unit. There were some great performances.

“Nathan Hicks never stopped running in midfield and there has to be a big mention for young Jack O’Connor who I thought was outstanding in midfield for a 17-year-old kid.”

There was a disappointment for the Poppies last night, however, as James Haran was forced off with suspected knee ligament damage during the second half. The defender only returned from a long lay-off due to a groin problem last weekend.

Kettering are back in Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division action at the weekend when they head to Frome Town.