Boss Sandy warns Diamonds against FA Cup complacency after collapse against 10-man Corby Town

AFC Rushden & Diamonds are in FA Cup action again on Saturday when they visit close neighbours Desborough Town in the first qualifying round.

But a repeat of last weekend’s defensive woes and a cup upset might be on the cards.

James Clifton is congratulated after firing AFC Rushden & Diamonds into a 1-0 lead at Corby (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

placeholder image — James Clifton is congratulated after firing AFC Rushden & Diamonds into a 1-0 lead at Corby (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

On Saturday, Rushden suffered a first defeat of the season as they went out of the FA Trophy, going down 3-1 to Chasetown.

Having rested several players for that game, a lot was then expected from Diamonds when they visited winless Corby Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Joel Nketia fired Diamonds 2-1 up against Corby (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

With Corby down to 10 men after the 45th-minute dismissal of Brad Gothard, Rushden seemed to be coasting at 3-1 up inside 54 minutes thanks to goals from James Clifton, Joel Nketia and Freddie Robinson.

But the Diamonds players inexplicably took their foot off the gas.

A combination of defensive frailties and poor game management meant they had to settle for a point as the Steelmen battled back to draw 3-3, with Jordon Crawford levelling from the penalty spot 15 minutes from time.

Manager Elliot Sandy was not a happy man.

Joel Nketia runs away to celebrate his goal at Corby on Monday (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

"I’m absolutely fuming," said Sandy. "It simply wasn’t good enough.

"We were miles off the standards we expect. Jim (La Masurier) and I have worked too hard to put this squad together and we are not settling for mediocrity this season.

"Massive credit to Corby who worked so hard for their manager, but against 10 men we were worst in the second half than we were in the first.

"We should have seen that game out - our guys thought the job was done at 3-1 and we suffered for it."

Freddie Robinson fires Diamonds into a 3-1 lead at Corby Town (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

Recently promoted Desborough have made a superb start to the season having won all nine cup and league games they have played so far in Step 5.

The United Counties League Premier Division South side created an upset in the previous round beating Carlton Town, who play in the same league as Diamonds.

Sandy is under no illusions as to the task ahead.

"It will be a huge game, and they are going to be right up for it like a cup final," said the Diamonds boss.

"They’ll have absolutely nothing to lose and while we’ll be favourites to win - being a league above - we need to treat the game the same as they will.

"We will have to be ‘bang up’ for the game but if we defend like we did on Bank Holiday Monday we will be in trouble."

Next Tuesday (Sept 8), Diamonds face another away game when they go to Boldmere St Michaels in the league.