Neal Kitson, born in New York, started his football career in the US. He spent a season as first choice for Rochester Rhinos before exercising a release clause in his contract to allow him to join League Two’s Northampton Town on a free transfer.

On his début, he saved an injury time penalty against Crewe Alexandra to secure a point for his new club. In his second game, he saved another penalty, this time against Oxford United, in a game his team won 2-1. After the final whistle, he kissed the badge.