Town will be ready for Poppies clash, says boss Adams

STRATFORD Town manager Carl Adams insists his side will be ready to take on Evo-Stik South Premier “powerhouse” Kettering Town this weekend after a weather-enforced three-week lay-off.

Saturday’s big game at the MoodChimp Stadium pits Adams against one of his former clubs, with both teams coming into the Evo-Stik South Premier meeting in good form.

Postponements against Tiverton, Hitchin and St Ives have left Town unable to extend a run which has seen them notch three wins from their last four.

Stratford are itching to get back to action against the fourth-placed Poppies, who appear near certainties to claim a play-off place next month.

“It’s a bit of a nightmare we run into a powerhouse like Kettering this weekend,” said Adams.

“We were on a good run with three wins out of four, then the weather hits us and we’ve not played for a few weeks, but we'll be ready for what will be a very tough game.

“Kettering are absolutely flying at the moment and they have got some big players that can win games.

“We couldn’t cope with Rene Howe last time we played them, so we’re going to make sure we’re prepared for him this time.

“It’s not that I fear Kettering, far from it, but ideally we could have done with a more winnable game in front of us after a three-week break.”

Striker Mike Taylor will miss the Kettering clash as he serves the final game of his two-match ban.

Attacking midfielder George Washbourne looks set for a place on the bench after returning to full fitness following a recent two-match stint at Midland League Division Two side Montpellier.

Top scorer Ben Stephens, who remains on trial at EFL Championship side Ipswich Town, is also available for selection.

Meanwhile, Town’s game at St Ives has been rearranged for Tuesday, 17th April (7.45pm).

This means that Stratford will finish their season with three away games in their last four.