SATURDAY SPORT '“ Steelmen and Poppies beaten but Diamonds edge through in the FA Cup

After two successive draws, the Steelmen were on the end of a loss as Dale Hopson’s penalty 14 minutes from full-time proved decisive,

Both teams hit the crossbar but it was the hosts who snatched the only goal while Corby suffered another injury blow to frontman Femi Orenuga who was forced off after being handed his first league start for the club.

Kettering Town’s inconsistent start to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign continued as they were well beaten 3-0 at Basingstoke Town.

The Poppies, who had claimed a fine win at Redditch United earlier in the week, were 2-0 down at the break with George Hallahan opening the scoring before the same player converted from the penalty spot before the break.

The hosts wrapped the game up early in the second period when, after Aaron Jarvis had hit the post, Sam Deadfield struck to make it 3-0.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were made to sweat by United Counties League Premier Division side Sileby Rangers before securing a 4-3 win in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Brian Farrell gave Sileby a deserved lead at the Dog & Duck but an 11-minute hat-trick from Nabil Shariff put Diamonds 3-1 up and in charge before the break.

Liam Dolman made it 4-1 soon after the restart but Sileby battled back with Stuart MacMichael and Farrell on target to make it 4-3.

But, despite some late pressure, Diamonds held on to book a first qualifying round home date with AFC Hornchurch.

Desborough Town’s FA Cup hopes were ended as they were beaten 1-0 by London Colney in their preliminary round clash at the Waterworks Field.