Saturday nights live FA Cup fixtures sees local rivals Northampton Town and Kettering Town pitted against each other at Sixfields.
Northampton finished 14th in their first season back in League One and will be looking for another season of consolidation this time around. The Cobblers currently sit 18th in the league, five points clear of the relegation zone and will see the FA Cup as a welcome distraction from the league.
Northampton have been knocked out in the first round in the last four years, including losses to non-league sides Oxford City and Chesterfield. Jon Brady will be keen to ensure they aren't shocked by rivals Kettering who are priced as massive 8.50 underdogs. The Cobblers will have to be on top form to avoid a repeat of the 2016 surprise defeat to non-league Stourbridge.
Kettering fell into administration during the 2011–12 season, losing their Rockingham Road stadium in 2011. They finished last in the Conference National and were relegated two divisions to the Southern League Premier Division.
It has been an up-and-down few years for the Poppies since, but now under the ownership of George Akhtar, things are stable again. Akhtar has backed manager Richard Lavery , leaving him with a supremely talented squad. As expected, they sit top of the Southern League Central after winning six league games in a row.
Kettering have yet to play in the Football League despite a few close shaves. While they are a few promotions away yet, things are looking up in Northamptonshire. In 2009, Kettering reached the FA Cup fourth round, losing 4-2 at home to Premier League side Fulham. The last time they played in the FA Cup first round was 13 years ago, so there is intangible excitement for all those connected with the club.
With Northampton priced as heavy 1.33 favourites, shrewd bettors may be tempted to take on this price and side with the away side in some capacity.
Kettering sit top of the league having scored a league-high 24 goals, winning six league games in a row. The Poppies have scored in 15/17 games in all competitions and in recent weeks have augmented an already potent front line.
Richard Lavery splashed the cash to sign experienced striker Jonny Edwards from fellow Southern League Central side St Ives Town. Former Celtic and Norwich striker Gary Hooper and former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger were signed too, putting Kettering's front line among one of the most potent in non-league.
Ranger already has four league goals and an FA Cup goal in his short Poppies career and with the creative lynchpin Bruno Andrade supplying him, looks a huge price for another goal.
Prediction: Nile Ranger to Score @5.00
Bbc Sport Online/ BBC IPLAYER/ BBC TWO
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