Rushden & Diamonds 4 Leatherhead 0

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

FA Cup Replay

Date: 11.11.98 – Nene Park (Attendance: 1855)

Diamonds Team…Gayle, Hamsher, Underwood, Mison, Rodwell, Butterworth, Bradshaw, Heggs, Collins, West, Brady. Subs Warburton, Hanlon .

Goal scorers and time of goals: RDFC : Collins, Heggs, Brady, West
Webmasters Man of the Match award : Paul Underwood
Match Report :

BT rested some of his regulars last night as Diamonds easily disposed of Leatherhead in the FA Cup. Two goals in the first half and another two early in the second half killed any hopes of an upset at Nene Park. Leatherhead started off well, with all men behind the ball, leaving it to Diamonds to try and break them down. They held out for 20 minutes before Collins planted an excellent header past the keeper from a superb Underwood cross. From that point on it was plain sailing. Diamonds played the ball about the park with ease and it was really just a matter of how many they would be content to score. When the fourth goal went in, with 30 minutes still to play BT made further substitutions to save some more players ready for the battle on Saturday against Shrewsbury Town.

Performances of note tonight from Underwood and Butterworth, with Heggs looking very quick and sharp. His goal was clinical and he could have added to his tally if he had not snatched at two shots. The major worry for Saturday will be Mark Gayle. Unable to kick the ball properly due to his injury, he constantly put his defence under pressure. I am sure they will try to get him fit, but maybe BT will be forced to call in young Steve Corry for his First Team debut. Lets hope anyway that the game is well supported and the lads do themselves credit. If we do go out, it may not be a bad thing as it would leave more time to concentrate on the number one priority – Promotion.