The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Winnable home tie, can't ask for more than that.

Ashton have been a good side at Step 3 for the last few years but haven't started this season brilliantly. 13 points from 10 games.

A replay would mean a hideous midweek trip.

Only saving grace is this is at home.

They have done well in the last few years losing out in the play-offs. Beating FCUM in the semis on one occasion then losing out to AFC Fylde.( the modern day RDFC). .

We'll have to really be on top form (which he are) to get through the round. Not sure what kind of following they get, their ground holds 4500 (not saying they fill it) so it'll be interesting to see how many the bring down.

Certainly winneable. Saw them beat Stamford with a few other Diamonds fans last April when they were going better in the league than they are now. They didn't bring that many fans to Stamford that day.

Dowlo wrote:Only saving grace is this is at home.

They have done well in the last few years losing out in the play-offs. Beating FCUM in the semis on one occasion then losing out to AFC Fylde.( the modern day RDFC). .

We'll have to really be on top form (which he are) to get through the round. Not sure what kind of following they get, their ground holds 4500 (not saying they fill it) so it'll be interesting to see how many the bring down.

Their average attendance is the worst in the league. 151 so far this season, last season it was 207.

According to Jon Dunham the draw was split north and south and both us and K*ttering were placed in the Northern section and we were both amongst the last 4 in the draw but kept apart!

Ashton website already says they are playing Rushden and Diamonds, maybe they were just a bit hasty posting the draw or are living in the past.

As stated a winnable match, certainly supporters would not want a replay.

I'm just delighted with a home draw as I'm working in the morning - Step 3 so a challenge, but we're no run of the mill step 4 side so should be a good game, we can be confident as we have nothing to lose really !!

Could have been easier, but who cares - we've got home advantage, let's make the most of it !!

Quite happy with that draw tbh, I'd fancy us at home against any club in this stage of the cup, not saying it's an easy draw of course, but I suspect there isn't a huge difference between a team near the top of step 4 and a lower mid table side in step 3, so it'll probably be a close game. Would have rathered it was against someone who would have brought a few away fans perhaps, but it at least gives us a good chance of progressing to the final qualifying round, an away trip to someone like Chorley or Marine would have been a lot harder.

Oh and this means we're at home on Non League Day for once

Don't think there is anyone easier than anyone else at this stage, however a home tie certainly goes in the lads favour.. Ashton not to be underestimated and the boys will need to raise their game on the day! Preferably get the job done first time to avoid a replay. Looking forward to it anyhow.. Would rather have Ashton at home rather than Corby's banana skin if they beat rushall tomorrow, away trip to Stourbridge

Very happy with home tie against Ashton United.

A winnable game, we don't want a replay.