Sports boss Dean fancies his team to see off Poppies

Kettering play in the division above Sports, but then so do Guiseley who were knocked out of the FA Cup by the rampant city side earlier this season.

And Dean's team will start the game full of confidence for the Buildbase FA Trophy third qualifying round clash after moving to within a place of the play-offs positions in the Southern League Central Premier Division with a 3-2 home win over Bromsgrove last weekend.

“I really fancy us to beat Kettering,” Sports manager Jimmy Dean said. “I’m not going to try and hide that fact.

“Of course they are favourites. They won our league last season and they are currently in a good place having found some form under a new manager. They will be pumped to beat us as I guess there is little love of Peterborough in Kettering, but my lads will relish the chance to beat them. They certainly won’t be afraid of the challenge.

“We have been so strong at home and I have a front four who, if they repeat their form of last weekend, will give any defence problems.

“We definitely have players capable of playing higher. They can be proud of what they’ve achieved already this season, our first at step three level.

“Considering we’ve had long runs in two FA competitions reaching sixth place in the league is incredible, but we haven’t finished yet.”

Dean is checking on the availability of marquee signing Tresor LuaLua, although he might struggle to get selected ahead of Dion Sembie-Ferris, former Kettering man Josh Moreman, Mark Jones and Maniche Sani based on last weekend’s win.

Another new recruit, centre-back Charlie Jemson, the son of form Nottingham Forest player Nigel Jemson, is available, while central defender Marshall Willock is back after making his international debut for Montserrat last weekend.

With 200 visiting fans expected Sports are confident of breaking their attendance record of 435, set at the Guiseley game.