Rushden fans celebrate league opposition in FA Cup

Fans and players of eighth-tier AFC Rushden & Diamonds have been celebrating after being drawn an away tie at League One's Burton Albion in the FA Cup.

It is the first time the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side, founded in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds, have reached the tournament's first round.

Surrounded by about 200 people gathered at the Northamptonshire club for the draw, chairman Rob Usher said: "Let's go put Diamonds back on the map."

Kick-off will be at 15:00 BST on 7 November at Albion's home, the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Manager Elliot Sandy was just as delighted at the draw, saying: "This was the dream and 15 months later, we've managed to bring that to the club.

"This club really deserves it and we're going to enjoy it."

He paid tribute to the volunteers, everyone working behind the scenes and his assistant manager.

"We've got a great group of lads together, we started brilliant in the league and with everyone behind the scenes, we do the easy bit on the pitch," he added.

Diamonds secured their place in the first round thanks to a 2-1 upset over National League North outfit Morecambe, who play two leagues above them.

They started their FA Cup campaign with a 5-0 win at Kimberley Miners Welfare in August, and have also beaten Long Eaton United, Desborough Town and Peterborough Sports to reach this stage.

The club secured their spot in the fourth qualifying round by shocking sixth-tier Braintree Town, of National League South, earlier this month.

So, does Usher think Diamonds can beat the League One side?

There was, of course, only one answer: "Yes, 100%," he said.

However, is it not the only time the Diamonds have played major opposition in the FA Cup.

Around the turn of the millennium, the original Rushden & Diamonds reached the FA Cup third round twice - losing to Leeds United and then Sheffield United a season later, after forcing both clubs to a replay.

The team reached the heights of Division Two - the equivalent of League One today - soon after, before financial problems led to the club's eventual demise.

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