Latimer Park, home of Kettering Town based in Northamptonshire and play their trade in Step 3 of the Non League Pyramid in the Southern League Premier Division Central. Nicknamed the “Poppies” due to their colours being Red & Black.
It’s a top 2 clash in the league between Kettering Town & Stourbridge here at Latimer Park so hopefully a bumper crowd and also a rarity for me, a fan named Silvano has also invited me down to Latimer Park here tonight for this one for an access all areas special! So down the M1 and onto the A14 into Burton Latimer and into the ground!
Silvano is here in the club house and with infectious enthusiasm! His love for Kettering Town is evident, and he has eagerly shared stories of past matches, unforgettable players, other people within the club, and the club’s rich history. As the game draws ever nearer, and here I am in the Hospitality lounge! I have been treated to a guided tour of the stadium led by none other than the stadium announcer and fellow fan, Lee.
Lee’s knowledge is impressive, and his passion for the club is palpable. He has taken me through the various sections of the ground, sharing anecdotes about famous moments and players who had graced the pitch, also with other plans for the ground moving forward! Standing on the hallowed turf, you could almost feel the atmosphere starting to build as a potential record attendance gathers around the pitch.
*ANNOUNCEMENT* Kick Off is delayed for 15 minutes as Stourbridge have turned up 15 minutes late! So time to sample some food! No.1 Smash & Grab is the famous food brand here at Latimer Park and Silvano has generously given me a free Burger & Chips! Which was simply glorious! Thank you to Ashley, the chef for that one!!
The teams are in the tunnel and the fans have taken their place in the ground! It’s the big one here tonight! Who dares wins?!
Kick Off! Stourbridge have started strong, dominating possession and creating chances. Their fluid passing and coordinated movement has put Kettering on the back foot so far in the first half.
13 minutes in and Kettering have a free kick from around 25 yards out, Thanoj goes for goal… Tipped over! Corner comes in… Cleared by Stourbridge.
4 minutes later and Stourbridge lump the ball into the box, it’s headed across goal and headed at goal… OH WHAT A SAVE!!! One of the saves of the season so far for certain! A few corners later and Kettering have survived some unbelievable pressure from Stourbridge!
Despite Stourbridge’s efforts, the first half ends goalless at 0-0. It’s a tense affair, with both teams showing promise but failing to find the back of the net. The crowd, while appreciative of the quality on display, are eager for a breakthrough.
Second half, “K & an E & a T & a T! E & an R & an ING! T & an O & a WN! Kettering Town FC!” Kettering fans in much better spirits this half in the Tin Hat End!!
Kettering seem to have regrouped this half and looking to assert themselves more on home turf. However, Stourbridge continue to press, showcasing their skill and determination.
75th minute now and Kettering have it on the left, it’s crossed in towards the back post and he brings it down to shoot… Not enough on it but Isiah Noel-Williams is running in… OH AND HE’S POKED IT UNDER THE KEEPER AND IN!!! KETTERING HAVE THE LEAD!! SCENES IN THE TIN HAT END!!! Me and fellow fan Vince enjoyed that one! 1-0!
87th minute, Kettering hit it forward towards Gary Hooper and he beats his man and he’s in on goal… KETTERING ARE GOING 4 POINTS CLEAR!!! The former Celtic, Norwich & Sheffield Wednesday man seals the points for Kettering!! 2-0!
FT: Kettering Town 2-0 Stourbridge FC
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 8/10 – First half not so good, Second half much better from the Kettering faithful!!
- The Ground: 8/10 – Really nice for what it is! Club house & hospitality lounge were really nice and fit for bigger events! Loved the Tin Hat End and the stand opposite as well!
- Expense: 10/10 – Completely Free!!!!
- Overall Experience: 10/10 – Treated like a true VIP tonight! Thank you to Silvano, Lee, Lucy & Vince for a truly memorable experience!!
36/40