"Bucks take on table topping Town in crunch clash"

Match Date : March 22nd, 2025 3:00 pm
Competition : Southern League Premier Central
Ground : Latimer Park
Kick Off : 15:00

The Bucks head to Northamptonshire this weekend for a crunch clash with table toppers Kettering Town.

Relegated alongside the Bucks in 2022/23, at one point last season it looked like the Poppies might tumble down another division. However, Richard Lavery’s arrival from Quorn in February 2023 saw Town’s form improve, and they ultimately finished nine points above the drop in 15th place.

After a brush with relegation last season, Kettering’s summer takeover by George Akhtar has seen their fortunes revive. Akthar purchased the Northamptonshire club at the start of May and has backed Lavery with a number of high-profile signings, as the Poppies look to climb back up to Step 2.

However, while the Poppies, buoyed by an impressive run to the FA Cup Second Round, excelled in the league before Christmas, their form has been more patchy in 2025. Kettering began the new year with three league defeats in a row, in fact, while they’ve won three, drawn two and lost two of their last seven outings.

That change in form led Lavery to shake up his squad in the search for consistency. Arrivals over the last few months include dangerous forwards Terrell Pennant and Finley Wilkinson, and three former Bucks in the shape of Alex Gudger, Kyle Storer and Sam McLintock. Dan Jarvis, Bruno Andrade, Gary Hooper, and club stalwart Gary Stohrer are all among the notable departures, while key man Isiah Noel-Williams departed for Matlock Town last week.

Kettering have picked up seven points from their last five games at Latimer Park. But despite their more inconsistent recent form of late, the Poppies have the second-best overall home record and can lay claim to the best home record on a points per game basis. What’s more, Tuesday night’s 1-0 win at Alvechurch saw Lavery’s side move one point clear at the top of the table.

While the Bucks did the double over Town last season, Lavery’s side beat the Bucks 3-1 when the sides met at the SEAH Stadium in November. The Poppies definitely deserved their win that night, although the Bucks were left to wonder what might have been having bossed the opening exchanges before Kettering scored with their first real attack.

Wilkin’s men are unbeaten in nine and have lost just two of their last 20 games. So, with both sides well and truly in the mix at the top of the table, this Saturday looks set to be a pivotal day in the race for promotion.

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Please note that this fixture is segregated and all ticket; there will be no cash sales on the day.

Tickets can be bought online. For more full detail, please read our matchday information and our further information for travelling supporters.

Website: www.ketteringtownfc.com

Ground Address: Polwell Lane, Burton Latimer, Kettering, NN15 5PS