By Mark Taylor
November 13 2002

On Saturday Rushden and Diamonds contest another away cup tie, this time in the first round of this seasons FA Cup. The opponents are old Conference rivals Kidderminster Harriers. No one at Nene Park could quite believe that the club had been drawn as the away side once again following only the Worthington Cup home victory against Millwall since the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying round against Grantham United in 2000. Luckily, they will not be going into the unknown after facing Kiddy a number of times in recent years. However, the Diamonds may not have pleasant memories of Aggborough especially after the loss in early 2000 allegedly cost us the Conference title.

On Saturday, Brian Talbot should have the opportunity to field an unchanged side to the team that beat Darlington last weekend despite Paul Underwoods scheduled visit to a specialist. The captain was a surprise inclusion last week but played beyond the pain barrier to complete the 90 minutes. Onandi Lowe will play his last game before his suspension on 23rd November with former Harrier Marcus Bignot continuing at right back due to Tarkan Mustafas dubious decision to be place himself on the transfer list. Paul Hall may also be available after returning from the Caribbean.

The game should prove to be exciting because of the previous history between the two clubs who have done so well to climb out of non-league obscurity to be established league sides.

YELLOW ARMY!! YELLOW ARMY!! YELLOW ARMY!!