Match Preview

This Saturday, Rovers play host to Wisbech Town from the United Counties League Premier Division in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. We have actually met at this stage of the competition before, in 1994 at Hillgrounds with the visiting Fenmen running out 4-2 winners. The last occasion that the two sides have met here in Kempston, Rovers won by two goals to one in January 2016. Ash Fuller and Michael Lyon getting the goals on that day.

The Fenmen arrive sitting in seventh place in the UCL table after four games with two wins and two defeats. They began their season in July as part of an organised ‘ground hop weekend’ with a win at home to Wellingborough Town. Their other league win came in a 9-1 thumping of Sleaford Town after back to back defeats against Deeping and Desborough. To get to this stage of the FA Cup, Wisbech have seen off Biggleswade FC of the Spartan South Midlands League and Spalding United of the Northern Premier League Division One South. Wisbech’s bank holiday was soured slightly when they were put out of the UCL Cup at home to Potton United. Interestingly, Wisbech played a friendly over the summer against Premier League Burnley, losing narrowly by two goals to one in front of a crowd of over four hundred. Keep an eye out for Josh Ford, who has five goals in Wisbech’s eight games so far.

Rovers come in to the game having stretched their unbeaten run to five after Bank Holiday Monday’s draw with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Jake Newman continued his goal scoring form this season taking his total to six in six games. Alex Stoyles will be looking to build on his impressive recent form, a goal at Uxbridge and a man of the match display against Diamonds see the defender as one of Rovers in form players after an early season injury niggle.

Progress to the next round would match Rovers’ achievements last year when Isthmian League side Burgess Hill needed a replay to dispatch the Walnut Boys. Rovers best ever performance in the FA Cup was in the 1978/79 season when the club reached the fourth qualifying round, just missing out on the first round proper.

As this is an FA Cup match, supporters club prices at the turnstiles do not apply. There are also several members of the supporters club who have yet to collect their membership cards for this season.

This match is sponsored by Pursell Electrical. For all your electrical needs. 07788 270412.