Kettering Town owner 'so excited' for FA Cup clash

Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad A woman with long black hair and her son wearing a brown cap watch a football match. Both are wearing red and black football shirts. Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad
Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad (pictured) and Nadim 'George' Akhtar have been in charge of Kettering Town since May

The co-owner of non-league Kettering Town has shared her excitement ahead of Sunday's FA Cup second-round match against Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, Nadiya Akhtar-Shahzad reflected on the aftermath of the club's famous round one victory over neighbours Northampton Town.

The win marked the club's first progression to round two since 2009.

Ms Akhtar-Shahzad said: "There's no way we could have predicted any of this. It's been such an amazing run from start to now. We're all so excited."

PA Media Three male Kettering Town fans in the crowd, all dressed in black puffer jackets, look jubilant at their side wins over Northampton Town. The central man has both his fists raised in triumph. PA Media
Fans will hope to be rejoicing again - as they were at Sixfields - after beating Northampton Town on their home turf

Since the shock victory over Northampton - described by Poppies fan and photographer Peter Short as "the biggest win in Kettering Town's history" - the club has been busy preparing for the next round.

Fans have attended three separate volunteer days dedicated to painting and refurbishing Latimer Park, to get their home ground match-ready for the TV cameras.

The buzz has even extended beyond Northamptonshire, reaching the school where Ms Akhtar-Shahzad teaches in Watford.

Her A-Level students have embraced the Poppies, with some buying Kettering shirts and pledging to "check out the club" in future matches.

Long-time supporter Craig Parker, who has been going to matches since 1995, said he felt optimistic about the club's chances.

"There's a fantastic buzz around the club. We can turn [Doncaster] over - we have a massive chance."

The match can be watched on BBC Two on Sunday, with coverage starting at 11:45 GMT.

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