Nile Ranger header helps Kettering stun Northampton to reach FA Cup second round
Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA
Kettering produced an FA Cup giantkilling for the ages as they stunned local rivals Northampton 2-1 at Sixfields.
The seventh-tier Poppies trailed to an unfortunate own goal at half-time, but overcame 79 places and four divisions to claim a famous victory against their county neighbours in the first round.
Substitute Luca Miller scored with his first touch to level before former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger netted the winning goal in the third minute of extra time, sending nearly 1,500 away supporters into ecstasy.
It is the first time the Southern League Premier Central leaders have reached the second round since the 1988-89 season, while Northampton’s poor recent record in the competition plunged to new depths.
A late flag saved the visitors in the 15th minute after Cameron McGeehan turned home Nesta Guinness-Walker’s cross and replays later suggested both men were onside.
Ranger had a golden opportunity to give them the lead, but he shot wide after a mix-up in the home defence.
Northampton made the most of that let-off by moving in front after 28 minutes. Liam McCarron brought down a long ball and teed up Tariqe Fosu, whose shot took one deflection and then hit Johnson before beating Dan Jezeph.
McGeehan lifted over from the edge of the box while two decent chances fell to McCarron, but he was denied first by a good save from Jezeph and then a goal-line block.
McCarron squandered two more opportunities after the restart, however, Kettering never went away and their endeavour was rewarded with an equaliser midway through the second half.
Ben Hart delivered a fine cross and Miller, only on the pitch for a matter of moments, brilliantly headed home to force extra time.
Kettering took a shock lead within three minutes of the added period as Ranger rose highest to head in Miller’s corner.
Northampton ran out of ideas and the Poppies defended superbly to seal their place in the second round.
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