Poppies and Diamonds enjoy cup victories

The frontman, who signed for the Poppies on Monday, produced an impressive display alongside Aaron O’Connor and both were on target as a strong Kettering side had too much for a much-changed Linnets line-up.The visitors did open the scoring when Jack Frowhawk seized on a slip by Dion Kelly-Evans and raced away before beating Lewis Elsom with a good shot across goal.But Kettering stormed back and Declan Towers levelled things from close-range before O’Connor grabbed his second in as many games after being played in by Lindon Meikle.Brett Solkhon headed home the third after Holman’s shot was deflected into his path before the new boy had the final say after the break.He fired his first goal for the club in off the post after good work from Ben Toseland and then wrapped things up with a low finish from eight yards.The Poppies are back in action on Saturday when they head to Stamford in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds moved into the semi-finals of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup as they beat ON Chenecks 1-0 at Hayden Road.Andy Peaks made changes to his starting line-up and Diamonds went close in the first half when Blaize Punter’s header came back off the crossbar.It was a competitive game against the United Counties League Premier Division side but Diamonds struck the woodwork again after the break when former Chenecks player Ben Diamond saw his 30-yard strike rattle the post.There were chances at both ends but the decisive moment came with 12 minutes to go when Diamond was on hand to slot home after Ben Farrell’s shot had been saved.And that proved to be enough to secure Diamonds’ place in the last four.

Corby Town will be hoping to join Diamonds in the semi-finals when they play their last-eight match on Wednesday night.The Steelmen take on Vanarama National League North side Brackley Town at Steel Park.

And Desborough Town are also in Hillier Cup action as they entertain Brackley Town Saints at the R Inn Stadium.