Chesterfield vs Kettering Town Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup, Qualification

Prediction published on 12/10/2023, 09:21  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/10/2023 at 02:00 in Football Predictions

National League leaders Chesterfield host Kettering Town in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. The winners of this tie go into the first round which is when clubs from League One and League Two join the competition. While Kettering Town are in the Southern League Central Division (two levels below their opponents) they have a very special place in FA Cup history. That's because no club has scored more goals than the Poppies in the history of the most famous cup competition in the world. They are regarded as the best non-league club never to have played in the English Football League. Last season saw them relegated from National League North and there have been plenty of changes on and off the field since then. It's not been the best of seasons for them too date and they are currently 20th in their division, one point from safety. Last week saw them lose in the FA Trophy but they had better luck in the FA Cup. Hullbridge Sports, Sporting Khalsa and Hitchin Town have all been beaten 1-0 to reach this fourth qualifying round. 

Being top of the National League (one step below League Two), Chesterfield are the highest ranked team currently in the FA Cup. They lead the table by a point after the first 15 games of the season. Their hope is that promotion will be won this season so no more FA Cup qualifying rounds to play. They have been in the National League since their relegation from the English Football League in 2018. They so nearly won promotion last season, losing on penalties to Notts County in the play-off final. Chesterfield famously reached the FA Cup semi-finals 26 years ago and lost to West Brom after a replay last season. Home form this season has seen them win six and draw one of their league fixtures. We go for over 2.5 goals to be scored in this match.