''Rushden & Diamonds – The FA Cup''

Despite such a short history, Rushden & Diamonds have embarked on a number of cup runs, most notably the 1998-99 season. History was made as Rushden won in the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time.  Victory over Shrewsbury Town and then Doncaster Rovers in the 2^nd Round with a 4-2 replay win at Nene Park embarked on one of the best moments as a Rushden & Diamonds fan. 3^rd Round draw - Leeds United at home.

A record 6,431 spectators watched a side around 90 league places below their opposition record a memorable 0-0 draw, and therefore a replay at Elland Road. 11 days later, over 39,000 watched Rushden & Diamonds do the unexpected. Score first! Carl Heggs’ 11^th minute goal put the Diamonds in front of the many travelling Rushden fans. The international stars of ‘The Whites’ stepped up a gear, with two goals from Alan Smith and one from Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink sparing the premiership outfit any embarrassment.

The following season, the Nene Park side went on another memorable FA Cup run – again as a Non-League team. A 3-0 victory at home over Ilkeston Town in a 2^nd Round Replay, ensured the Northamptonshire side a 3^rd Round tie against Sheffield United. Following an excellent 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane, Rushden held their own and took the Yorkshire side all the way to penalties – finally succumbing to a 6-5 defeat in the shoot-out.

The FA Cup hasn’t been the best of competitions for Rushden over the past decade, with the 2^nd Round only being reached on a couple of occasions. Since returning to a Non-League club, defeats to Tamworth, Bristol Rovers, Evesham United and Yeovil Town have continued this unwanted spell of bad fortune. Albeit the Yeovil defeat to a disappointing refereeing decision, with the winning goal being allowed to stand, despite one player interfering with play approximately 10 yards offside.

18 Years of Rushden & Diamonds