If AFC Telford United needed any motivation for tomorrow’s big FA Trophy trip to Kettering then the memory of their last game at the A-Line Arena should do the job.

It was in April last year that they travelled to Northamptonshire, and the Poppies’ 2-0 victory that day confirmed their promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

The sight of their hosts’ jubilation is burned in the mind of Telford striker Matty Lewis – who is hoping to play some part in the game after recovering from a broken leg.

He was a substitute in the Setanta Shield victory over Kettering at the New Bucks Head last week, but insists proper redemption would only come from victory in the Trophy.

“It’s a massive tie,” he said. “They’re going to be looking for revenge for our win in the Setanta Shield.

“But we went there last year and got turned over and they enjoyed their party winning the league against us.

“The gaffer’s said we want to go there and have our own party by beating them and going through to the next round of the FA Trophy.

“That would be nice, not just for the club but for the fans also, who follow us everywhere.”

The Setanta Shield game, which the Bucks won 3-2 after extra-time, has also added an extra dimension to tomorrow’s clash.

Kettering had skipper Guy Branston sent off and incensed boss Mark Cooper was also dismissed for venting his frustration on the referee.

Cooper has since made clear his desire for revenge, but Lewis insists any needle in the match will only play into Telford’s hands.

“I think that’s what we need, because it gets the players going,” added Lewis, who had a short spell at Kettering earlier in his career.

“When you’ve got a big crowd there as well it all helps to make it the sort of a spicy cup game that everybody loves.

“A victory there would put us in great stead and we’ll definitely give it our best shot.”

The 24-year-old may have to settle for a place on the bench tomorrow, having played very little football since breaking his leg in the pre-season friendly with Cheltenham.

He is willing to bide his time though, insisting he is just happy to be able to pull on his boots once more.

“Just being back around the club, back in training and getting a few minutes here and there is fantastic,” he said.

“The main thing now is just trying to get a bit fitter and do my bit to help when I can. My leg feels a lot better now – I was a bit wary of it when I first came back but I’ve got to get over that.

“We’ve been in a bit of a rut and we all need to stick together and I’ve got to try and take my chance when I get it.”

By CHRIS HUDSON