How an FA Cup derby day will showcase a county

The magic of the FA Cup has well and truly arrived in Northamptonshire, as two of the county's top sides prepare for a showdown.

Fans of Kettering Town were left in raptures after they were pitted against local rivals Northampton Town in Monday's first round draw.

Despite their close proximity, the two sides have only met twice in competitive fixtures before.

With the bumper cup tie at Sixfields Stadium to be shown live on BBC Two next month, here is everything you need to know.

Rivals who are leagues apart

Last Saturday marked the first time in 13 years Kettering Town had booked their ticket to round one of the FA Cup.

The seventh-tier side, which features former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger, beat Farsley Celtic 2-1 in dramatic fashion with an injury time winner.

Northampton Town have not won a knockout cup match since August 2021

Meanwhile, Northampton were parachuted straight in to the tournament's first round thanks to their League One status.

There are 82 league places separating the two sides, but their respective campaigns have got off in contrasting styles.

Kettering, once managed by Paul Gascoigne, sit second in the Southern League Premier Division Central, while Northampton are languishing in 20th.

A brief history

Despite co-existing just 17 miles (27km) apart for more than 125 years, the sides have only met twice in competitive fixtures before.

Northampton took the bragging rights last time out, winning 1-0 at Kettering's old Rockingham Road ground on 18 November 1989.

Richard Lavery was appointed as Kettering Town manager in February

The Cobblers also won the other fixture too, scoring three goals without reply in the FA Cup second round in November 1961.

Fans from both sides have promised to create a bumper crowd when they meet for the first time in almost 35 years next month.

How have the fans reacted?

Supporters watching the FA Cup draw at Kettering's Latimer Park ground were left jumping up and down when it was revealed they would be playing their local rivals.

"Very happy with that, possibly - if I dare say it - winnable", one told the BBC.

"We'll be taking a lot [of supporters] over there, it's a great opportunity and what a fantastic tie for the magic of the FA Cup."

Another added: "On our day we can beat anyone, we've definitely got a cup side.

"We can always score goals but you never know, it's the cup isn't it - it could go either way."

The match at the Sixfields Stadium will be broadcasted live on BBC Two

Northampton fan Charles Commins, who hosts the It's All Cobblers To Me podcast, says the fixture will be "really good for showcasing the county".

He says most Cobblers fans see Kettering Town as "friendly rivals" who they want to see do well.

"You feel like this is the chance to have a really good occasion," he adds.

"The game itself might be quite good, derbies always add that little bit extra."

Who are the players to watch?

Kettering Town's Gary Hooper spent three seasons at Celtic and also played for Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday

Fans should look out for Kettering's recent signing Gary Hooper, says BBC Radio Northampton Sport's Jake Sharpe.

The 36-year-old forward scored more than 60 goals for Celtic, winning two Scottish Premier Leagues, two Scottish Cups and the league's golden boot.

There is also more experience in the Portuguese Bruno Andrade who played for several EFL clubs clubs, including Stevenage and Wycombe, and Nile Ranger, the ex-Newcastle United striker.

Sam Hoskins has been one of Northampton Town's leading players for the past few seasons

Welsh international Tyler Roberts, who is on loan from Birmingham, is a Cobblers player to watch, Sharpe says.

Winger Tariqe Fosu is another international at the club, representing Ghana.

The 28-year-old has also previously played for Brentford, helping to get them into the Premier League.

In his 10th season at the club, Sam Hoskins scored 15 goals last season and 22 in the season before when the Cobblers were promoted to League One.

Fans are hoping he can beat his tally this season, Sharpe adds.

How can you watch it?

The match is to be shown live from Sixfields Stadium on BBC Two at 17:30 GMT on Saturday, 2 November.

Northampton Town released tickets for the game on Friday, with general admission prices ranging from £7 to £22.