Nantwich Town have “nothing to fear” ahead of Kettering FA Cup tie

By Matt Bishop
Nantwich Town boss Dave Cooke says his side don’t have anything to fear as they prepare to play Kettering Town in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Cooke’s men are struggling in the league this season, currently languishing 22nd in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division, with just a point separating them and bottom club Sutton Coldfield Town.
In contrast, the Poppies are absolutely flying, with Saturday’s 5-0 win over Merthyr Town extending their winning run to eight games, and increasing their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier.
However, Cooke is refusing to be daunted, and told the Crewe Chronicle: “They will be a strong side, we know that they’re flying, but I’m not sure their league is as strong as ours and I don’t think we have anything to fear.
“It’s a one-off game, and obviously we have been good in the cup games.
“We’ve had some horrendous luck on the pitch and with injuries recently, but that will turn.
“We’ll be well prepared and I’m looking forward to it. It’s a huge opportunity.”
If there is to be somewhat of a shock at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday, new Dabbers goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen will have to be on top form.
The Crewe loanee is set to make his debut during the weekend’s tie, with Cooke saying: “We’ve had awful luck with our keepers.
“Fabian [Speiss] is the best keeper in the league but he’s only played twice due to injury, and Krystian [Burzynski] has also picked up a knock. So I felt I had to get one in and Crewe have helped out.”
Catch up with all the weekend’s FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying action in Sunday’s @NonLeaguePaper.