Soccer Central

Jay Smith’s scorcher was not enough to save Notts County from defeat at Kettering this evening. Smith let fly with a smooth strike from just outside the area in the 43rd minute of the match to give County the lead against the run of play, they then found themselves 2-1 down just 9 minutes into the second half however as Kettering hit back with two goals in the space of a minute.

Kettering were good value for their win, and much deserved this home victory against a side from the league above. The home side bossed County for much of the game, and showed great strength and character in coming back from 1-0 down at half-time to ultimately win the game 2-1.

Brett Solkhon and Gareth Seddon both took their goals well for Kettering; Solkhon’s from a header and Seddon’s from range. The fans showed their appreciation for the win by invading the pitch after the match had finished and there was an absolutely excellent atmosphere at Rockingham Road.

Kettering will now face Eastwood in the third round, and there will therefore definitely be a non-league side in the fourth round of the FA Cup this season. Having twice beaten league teams now; Kettering will certainly fancy their chances against Northern Premier League team Eastwood Town. On paper this is the easiest game of Kettering’s cup run so far; Eastwood have already defeated high-flying Wycombe Wanderers however, so Kettering should not expect their third round tie to be a walk in the park. Both teams will come out fighting for a win when the third round game is played, Kettering will be the favourites, but Eastwood most definitely have an excellent chance of winning also.

With Kettering’s win over Notts County, there are now seven non-league teams in the third round of the FA Cup this season; a new record for non-league clubs. December 16th will see Blyth Spartans take on Bournemouth, and Droylsden host Chesterfield; if Blyth and Droylsden can win as well, then the record will well and truly be smashed. Good luck to both of them, and here’s to many more upsets in the FA Cup third round in January.

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