Match Preview

This Tuesday, Rovers host Biggleswade Town in the first round of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup. It’s reduced admission at Hillgrounds for the fixture, £6 for adults and just £3 for concessions.

The Waders have excellent recent history in this competition; reaching the final in four out of five season between 2011 and 2015, beginning with a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Arlesey Town in 2011 before notably winning back to back trophies by beating AFC Dunstable 3-0 in 2013 and following that up by beating Luton Town 2-1 after being behind in 2014 (denying Luton a Conference/County Cup double – although it should be pointed out that it was not exactly a full strength Hatters side on the night). The Waders made the final for a third straight year in 2015 but were soundly beaten on the night by Barton Rovers by four goals to nil. Last year was a slight disappointment for the club, not even making the quarter finals.

Kempston reached the semi finals of last season’s competition, without actually scoring a goal; getting through the first two rounds on penalties. Rovers have not enjoyed much success in the County Cup since re-joining the competition in 2011 (while in UCL Division One, the club competed in the Senior Trophy), falling at the first hurdle on all occasions, apart from last season. You have to go back to 1992 to find Kempston’s name engraved on the trophy, a 1-0 win over Totternhoe – the winner coming from Darren King in a match played at Stotfold’s Roker Park.

The two sides met in a pre-season friendly here at Hillgrounds back in the summer as both clubs warmed up for the season ahead. On that day, Town won out by three goals to two. Rovers have altered the squad somewhat since then, with the re-introduction of Luke Heneghan and George Boland along with the arrival of Hateley Mercer.

The game will be decided on the night, with penalties to find a winner should the scores be level at full time.