Clifton and Warburton goals secure stunning FA Cup success for sparkling Diamonds

AFC Rushden & Diamonds are history makers!

Elliot Sandy's side produced a stunning performance at Hayden Road on Saturday to beat Step 2 full-timers Morecambe and progress to the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds players celebrate after James Clifton's opening goal (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

placeholder image — AFC Rushden & Diamonds players celebrate after James Clifton's opening goal (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

Diamonds were 2-1 winners over the Enterprise National League North outfit, thanks to first-half goals from James Clifton and Matty Warburton, the latter a brilliant 25-yard free-kick.

Morecambe did rally in the second half and netted through the experienced Joe Garner five minutes after the break, but that was to prove to be just a consolation in front of a record crowd of 1,875.

Matty Warburton is about to strike the match-winning goal for AFC Rushden & Diamonds (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

When the full-time whistle sounded, the 1,500 home supporters were able to celebrate arguably the greatest day in the club's history since the Diamonds were formed in 2011.

Sandy's side now go into the hat for the draw for the first round, and will be hoping for a dream match-up.

All the clubs from Leagues One and Two now join the fray, so Diamonds could be paired with the likes of Leicester City, Luton Town, Sheffield Wednesday or county neighbours Northampton Town.

The draw will be held at 6.30pm on Monday, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, HBO Max and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.

Martin Keown and Fara Williams will be conducting the draw, and Diamonds will be ball number 61.

The first round ties will be played over the weekend of November 6-9.