Kettering 2008/09

I think about this game and feel like crying, but I’m sure that’s not the case in Kettering. Under the controversial stewardship of Imran Ladak, Kettering were something of a force in the non-league scene at the time. Managed by Mark Cooper, they were formidable but beatable opposition for City in the 2008/09 competition.

It was a miserable day; their fans were aggressive, and our car was pelted with bottles as we left. I got hit in the face by a Grant Brown hoof, and there was the racism storm that engulfed the final moments. Exodus Geohaghan gave them an 85th-minute lead after a tense encounter, only for Dany N’Guessan to score and bring them back to the Bank. That should have been enough.

City should have brushed their opponents aside, but despite Lenny John-Lewis opening the scoring, it was laboured. Former Imp Craig Westcarr levelled, and as we hoped penalties might be our saviour, Iyseden Christie netted with seconds to go. It sparked jubilant scenes from the away end, but it hacked me right off – the next day was my 30th birthday. Yeah, cheers, Kettering.

They beat Notts County in the next round, then Eastwood Town, before getting Fulham at Rockingham Road. At one stage, the Premier League side were being held 2-2, until two late goals finally beat Cooper’s side.