CLITHEROE chairman Carl Garner has described tomorrow's mammoth FA Trophy tie at Kettering as the club's biggest match since their 1996 FA Vase Final.

The Blues will look to cause the shock of the competition's Third Round when they face the Poppies, who are eighth in Conference North.

Bamber Bridge, Warrington and Halesowen have already been brushed aside by Clitheroe en route to their Rockingham Road match-up.

But Garner insists this is their toughest assignment to date against a full-time side boasting a host of former Football League names.

Clitheroe are making their way to Northamptonshire in style, travelling down on Burnley's team coach before enjoying a pre-match meal in Rugby, while around 80 fans are making the journey.

"It's a massive test because we have such a young squad," said Garner. "We couldn't have asked for a bigger game at this stage of the competition in terms of revenue and turnout.

"It's our biggest game since our FA Vase final in 1996. We are going to relish it, but we'll not go there as whipping boys.

"We are taking the lads down on a professional team coach and then for a pre-match meal."

Among Kettering's top names include former Tottenham and Reading midfielder Darren Caskey, ex-Norwich striker Zema Abbey and veteran goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite.

Garner added: "Bookies have quoted us at 9/1 to win, but we are going there with no fear. Nobody fancied us to beat Halesowen, but we are a young side and very mobile."

Centre-half Chris Matthews (knee), and Will Exton (hand) are both missing with Steve Hussey cup-tied. The Blues will also be without Shaun Nightengale, Paul Lamb and Yak Khan. Striker James Dean returns from suspension.