Poppies have a tough start, Diamonds at home - fixture news here
Kettering Town will have to do it the hard way if they are to make a good start to the new Blue Square Premier campaign after handing a tough opening schedule.
The Poppies open up away to Forest Green Rovers on August 8 and then face AFC Wimbledon, Kidderminster Harriers, Wrexham, Luton Town and Mansfield Town in their next five matches.
"It's a tough start. We've got nothing to prove to anyone," said Poppies boss Mark Cooper.
"We had a similar start last year and ended up near the top. It
doesn't faze me."
For hard start, read hard finish for Rushden & Diamonds as they trade a relatively kind opener at home to Salisbury City for a run-in that also
features Wimbledon, Kidderminster and Wrexham before finishing up at home to Luton – the pre-season title favourites – on April 24.
"No title is ever won in the first game. Looking at our first eight games, there are points to be had," said Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh
However, the two games that matter most for the two sets of fans, the derby clashes between the pair, come up in the second half of the season.
The first is at the Elgood's Arena on January 16 before the return takes place at Nene Park on February 27.
Meanwhile, Corby Town start their first season in Blue Square North at home to Harrogate Town.
They also welcome former boss Kevin Wilson back to Rockingham Triangle with his new side Ilkeston Town in the first month.
"Overall, I'm happy. I'm delighted we're starting at home," commented Steelmen boss Graham Drury.
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Weather for Kettering
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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