Kettering Town owner 'so excited' for FA Cup clash

Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad (pictured) and Nadim 'George' Akhtar have been in charge of Kettering Town since May

The co-owner of non-league Kettering Town has shared her excitement ahead of Sunday's FA Cup second-round match against Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad reflected on the aftermath of the club's famous round one victory over neighbours Northampton Town.

The win marked the club's first progression to round two since 2009.

Ms Akhtar-Shahzad said: "There's no way we could have predicted any of this. It's been such an amazing run from start to now. We're all so excited."

Fans will hope to be rejoicing again - as they were at Sixfields - after beating Northampton Town on their home turf

Since the shock victory over Northampton - described by Poppies fan and photographer Peter Short as "the biggest win in Kettering Town's history" - the club has been busy preparing for the next round.

Fans have attended three separate volunteer days dedicated to painting and refurbishing Latimer Park, to get their home ground match-ready for the TV cameras.

The buzz has even extended beyond Northamptonshire, reaching the school where Ms Akhtar-Shahzad teaches in Watford.

Her A-Level students have embraced the Poppies, with some buying Kettering shirts and pledging to "check out the club" in future matches.

Long-time supporter Craig Parker, who has been going to matches since 1995, said he felt optimistic about the club's chances.

"There's a fantastic buzz around the club. We can turn [Doncaster] over - we have a massive chance."

The match can be watched on BBC Two on Sunday, with coverage starting at 11:45 GMT.