Sandy says no pressure on Diamonds as they prepare for Sports FA Cup test
AFC Rushden & Diamonds are in FA Cup action on Saturday when they welcome Peterborough Sports to Hayden Road (ko 3pm).
Step 3 Sports were relegated from National League North last season and now play in the Southern League Premier Central division – one level above Diamonds.
They’ve made an indifferent start to the season and currently lie in mid-table, but they are unbeaten in their past four league games and were 4-2 winners over Rushall Olympic last weekend.
Sports had been scheduled to play Kettering Town in an NFA Hillier Senior Cup tie on Tuesday night, but withdrew from the competition to protect their squad ahead of the weekend.
Saturday marks the first time in nine years that the Diamonds have reached the second qualifying round.
Diamonds have enjoyed a strong start to the season, losing just once in all competitions, and with nothing to lose this is a tie they can definitely attack with confidence.
Manager Elliot Sandy was upbeat as to his team’s chances.
"There is no pressure on us, all the pressure is on them," said Sandy. "We go into the game full of confidence and we intend to have a right go at them.
"The financial side of this run is massive to the club.
"I urge all the fans to come out, because it has been one of the best Cup runs in 10 years or something.
"We've got a home draw, which doesn't happen very often, and are playing Peterborough Sports who are one of the favourites for the league above us.
"They have a really good team, I know a lot of their players, I played for their manager (Graham Drury) and know him really well."
Sandy’s side drew 1-1 with Shepshed Dynamo at Hayden Road on Tuesday night despite playing for more than 70 minutes with only 10 men following John-Joe O’Toole’s sending off.
That result followed on last Saturday's deserved 3-2 victory at Grantham Town.
Next Tuesday night (Sept 22), Diamonds entertain fellow high-flyers Bedworth United who have surprised so far this season.