Red, white and X-rated

Nigel, Mickey and 2 goals

Kettering v Wrexham, FA Cup 1st Rd, 1999

Pre-match build-up: The first clips show Kevin Russell scoring past West Ham in the 96/97 replay, Kieron Durkan’s volley past Ipswich in 94/95 and Mickey Thomas’ free kick against Arsenal in 91/92. They say that the FA Cup tends to bring out the best in Wrexham. It is pointed out that Wrexham haven’t scored a goal in open play for 494 minutes. Mickey Thomas’ free kick is shown again as he and Nigel Spackman are the studio guests. Kettering are the FA Cup’s top scorers with 778 goals (mostly down to the fact that they have to play so many qualifying rounds). Kettering’s encounter with Rothwell is shown, followed by the tie at the Racecourse. The five main points shown are Neil Roberts hitting the angle in the first half, Kettering’s goal, Sollitt’s save from Owen’s volley, the penalty decision and Neil Roberts tucking the penalty away to force a replay. Rochdale are shown beating Burton 3-0, so the winners will face Rochdale at home in Round Two. The second round draw is shown and then the ‘lucky loser’ format is explained. Kettering’s chairman is interviewed before the Kettering players say their names, ages, positions and occupations. Their occupations range from postmen to poultry farm managers! Team line ups are shown with the focus on Carey and Ferguson. The odds are: Kettering 13/8, Wrexham 11/8, Draw 11/5. Craig Norman and Sam Banya, both pallet repairers, are interviewed. Players shown warming up on the pitch include Ferguson, Connolly, Neil and Steve Roberts. Last season’s cup run is shown (1-0 against Peterborough, Dave Brammer; 2-1 against York, Neil Roberts penalty and Karl Connolly, 4-3 against Scunthorpe, Connolly hat-trick; 1-2 against Huddersfield in the replay, Russell). Last two league matches shown which were the 5-0 drubbing at Burnley and a 1-0 defeat to Brentford. Compared to Kettering’s last two games which were both wins. Kettering are shown training defending set-pieces on the pitch 15 minutes prior to kick-off. The two managers, Brian Flynn and Peter Norris are interviewed. Nigel Spackman and Mickey Thomas both back Wrexham. The team formations are shown, Wrexham are only playing one winger again! The teams come out for kick-off.

Daniel Jennings

(In RP15 the first half begins…)