Leeds United vs Kettering Town Preview
Leeds United welcome Kettering Town to Elland Road on Tuesday night for the chance to compete in the Third round of the FA Cup away at Old Trafford. After drawing 1-1 nine days prior to the clash, Kettering come to Elland Road with the pressure all on Leeds as the nation (well, ITV4) watches on.
For United to not already be in the Third round is an obvious disappointment, but tomorrow night gives the Leeds players and Simon Grayson the opportunity to put things right. Leeds were by far the better team at Rockingham Road, but against the run of play the scoreline showed a 1-0 advantage to the hosts. Jermaine Beckford cancelled it out not long after, but United’s performance merited a 3-0 score line, at least.
Kettering travel to Elland Road on the back of a 2-1 loss at home to Salisbury City in front of just over 1,000; that is the same allocation that Kettering supporters have been handed for Tuesday nights clash.
Leeds have not won an FA Cup tie at Elland Road since February 2003 where United defeated Gillingham in a Third round replay in front of 29,000. Kettering’s form away from home has been impressive, their most recent win away to potential Play Off rivals Luton Town. Kettering now lay 5th in the Conference.
Leeds will be without Andy Hughes, Ben Parker and Sam Vokes on Tuesday night, Hughes and Parker are out with injuries while Sam Vokes’ loan terms dictate he cannot play in the FA cup; Luciano Becchio is expected to replace Vokes up front with Beckford.
Kettering’s top goal scorer this term is former Millwall, West Ham and Glasgow Rangers striker Moses with 8 goals from 18 appearances. Despite being relatively young at 22, Moses has plied his trade at 8 different clubs. Jean Paul-Marna follows closely behind with 7 goals from 22 appearances for the Poppies.
The world’s eyes lay on Kettering at the turn of 2006. Paul Gascoigne had just been appointed manager and media from across the world gathered at Rockingham Road. Unfortunately for Gazza, he was to remain for only 39 days. Ron Atkinson and Gary Johnson join Gascoigne in famous names to have managed the Poppies.
Leeds and Kettering have very few links. Carl Shutt played and managed Kettering, former-United boss Kevin Blackwell played in goal there while Anthony Elding is on loan from Crewe Alexandra. Elding’s only goal for Leeds was scored against current United first choice goalkeeper Shane Higgs.
fansonline.net
