Sandy says Diamonds have to dig in and 'stay in the game' against 'quality' Brewers
Elliot Sandy is calling on his AFC Rushden & Diamonds players to show discipline and patience to 'stay in the game as long as possible' at Burton Albion on Saturday (ko 3pm).
And if they can do that, it may give them the best chance to create more Emirates FA Cup history and headlines!
Diamonds make the trip to the Pirelli Stadium as huge underdogs, with five divisions separating the Sky Bet League One Brewers and their NPL Midlands Division visitors.
But Rushden can travel with quiet confidence and belief, having overcome higher level sides in each of the past three rounds, including a full-time Morecambe outfit that was an EFL club less than two years ago.
That said, Sandy is well aware that Burton are going to be levels above even the Shrimps in terms of quality, and he is warning his players they may to have to suffer for long spells without the ball.
And that they then have to make the absolute maximum of any possession they get.
"Burton are going to keep the ball really well, compared to what we are used to," said Sandy.
"You would expect a decent surface, they have quality players and they are around mid-table in league one, which is a big gap from where we are.
"We know it is going to be difficult, as there are five leagues between us and I think that is the biggest gap between any two teams in the competition.
"It could be anything, and that is why we just need to try and stay in the game as long as possible.
"Hopefully we can then wait for our opportunities, and if we can take them we take them.
"At the same time, it has been an incredible run.
"We have had seven games to get to this point already, so we are going to enjoy it, but we are also going to give everything we can to put on a performance that the club can be proud of."
As a player, Sandy has enjoyed a long and strong career in non-League, and has twice previously reached the first round where he came up against EFL opposition.
The first was with Brackley Town in 2013 when, after a 1-1 draw in the original tie at the Priestfield Stadium, the Saints secured a 1-0 replay win in front of the BT Sports cameras.
Brackley then lost 3-2 at Macclesfield in round two.
Sandy also reached the third round with Step 4 side Stamford in 2016, with the Daniels losing 3-0 at league two side Hartlepool United.
So a mixed FA Cup bag, but Sandy said: "They are the memories you cherish, because you play a lot of football.
"The league is the bread and butter, but these are the occasions that don't come around very often and they are magical.
"For me the magic of the FA Cup is all about these lower rounds for the non-League teams because it is a great experience."
The Diamonds will be backed by a travelling support of 2,000 at the Pirelli on Saturday, and the match will be decided on the day.
If the scores are level at 90 minutes then extra-time will be played, and if it is still level at that point, then there will be a penalty shootout.