Sandy revels in 'unbelievable result' as Diamonds dump higher level Sports out of FA Cup

It was Step 4 hosting Step 3, but Diamonds were fully deserving of the win that sees them reach the third qualifying round for the first time in 10 years.

Matty Warburton set them on their way with a superb strike on 24 minutes, before Tejan Thomas made it 2-0 nine minutes later.

Sports, who were relegated from National League North in April, halved the deficit on the stroke of half time through Lewis Green, but that was to prove no more than a consolation as Jordan O'Brien's powerful strike made it 3-1 and settled the match just before the hour mark.

It was a brilliant day as close to 600 supporters packed into Hayden Road, but it proved to be a day to forget for Sports boss Graham Drury, who was sacked from the post on Sunday.

But for Diamonds it was fantastic day, and Sandy told @AFCRD: "That is an unbelievable result, and I am absolutely buzzing.

"I am so proud of the boys with the amount of work they put in, after Tuesday which was really difficult with 10 men.

"It took us a while to get to grips with Sports who are a really good team from the league above, but once we changed our shape to match them we came on really strong.

"And we scored some really good goals at the right times.

"I thought we managed the game really well, Sports didn't create too much, and to lose the goal when we did, you're not worried, but you can see games swing at half-time when a team gets a late goal back.

"But we went out in the second half, were reasonably comfortable, and then got that third goal that settled the tie really.

"We said at half-time 'let's not sit back, let's go for the jugular', and I felt we did that.

"We didn't sit off, we got in their faces and pressed really well."

Sandy also had some special words of praise for the opening goal by former Northampton Town man Warburton, who is now nearing full fitness after missing the start of the season through injury.

"The goal shows his quality, and Matty is getting better and better each day," said the Diamonds boss.

"As soon as the ball dropped to him on the edge of the box with that much space, I was already celebrating because he has that much quality.

"It was a great goal, a great strike, and that really kicked us on."

As for Sports, it was the latest poor result in a slow start to the season, and Drury has paid for it by losing his job.

A club statement released on Sunday read: “Peterborough Sports can confirm that manager Graham Drury has been relieved of his duties.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to place on record our thanks to Graham for all his efforts during his time at PIMS Park.

“Chairman Tim Woodward and the Board will now evaluate the club’s next steps before making any further announcements.”