Kettering Town’s remarkable FA Cup journey came to a dramatic end as veteran striker Billy Sharp struck twice to guide Doncaster Rovers to a 2-1 victory at Latimer Park.
Sharp, the 38-year-old forward with a career tally now at 281 goals, scored a late equaliser in regular time before netting the winner in extra-time to break the Poppies’ hearts.
Kettering Take the Lead in Spirited Display
In front of a sell-out crowd of 2,800 and a national TV audience, Kettering began the match with purpose. Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when Isiah Noel-Williams unleashed a brilliant curling strike from outside the box, leaving Doncaster goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe with no chance.
The Poppies dominated much of the first half, although Doncaster came close through Tom Anderson, whose header rattled the crossbar.
Billy Sharp Turns the Tide
Doncaster manager Grant McCann made adjustments at half-time to ignite his side’s performance, but it wasn’t until the 75th minute that the breakthrough came. Sharp capitalised on a loose ball following a corner, slotting home from close range to level the scores at 1-1 and force the game into extra-time.
Kettering continued to battle valiantly, with Lewis White forcing a fine save from Sharman-Lowe and Wes York producing a heroic double block to deny Rovers a late winner during stoppage time.
However, the heavy pitch began to take its toll on Kettering’s players in extra-time. Sharp once again proved decisive, pouncing on a defensive lapse to smash the ball into the net from 12 yards, giving Doncaster the lead just before the interval in extra-time.
Kettering’s Brave Effort Falls Short
Despite their tired legs, the Poppies pushed hard in the final 15 minutes, but Doncaster’s full-time professionalism shone through as they held firm to secure the win. While the defeat marked the end of Kettering’s FA Cup dream, their spirited display earned plaudits from fans and neutrals alike.
Writer’s View
Kettering Town’s FA Cup run exemplified the magic of the competition, showcasing the grit and passion of non-league football. While Billy Sharp’s experience and finishing proved the difference, Kettering’s performance highlighted their potential to compete against higher-ranked opposition.
