Diamonds need to avoid FA Cup shame: Read Mark Lea's column
NEARLY three years ago Paul Terry was the main feature ahead of Rushden & Diamonds' FA Cup tie against Yeovil Town.
He was proved absolutely right about being "under no illusions" over the tough test facing the Glovers at Nene Park.
Diamonds duly ran out 3-1 winners over their old rivals thanks to Michael Rankine's double – only for Mark Cooper's Tamworth to end their hopes of reaching the third round proper.
Before the game in November 2006, Terry recognised that Yeovil had emulated Diamonds as "the benchmark for everyone" by going from the Conference into Coca-Cola League One.
He said at the time: "They have been a bit unfortunate and are now in a transitional period.
"Despite two relegations, I think Diamonds will bounce back from everything which has gone on there."
Now, of course, the experienced midfielder is hoping to help Justin Edinburgh's side to challenge towards the top of the Blue Square Premier.
Today the focus again switches to the FA Cup with the trek to Workington – literally even further than many of us go on holiday!
Terry already has happy memories of this fantastic competition, having played against the likes of Liverpool, Charlton Athletic, Norwich City and Ipswich Town over a five-year period at Yeovil and Dagenham & Redbridge.
But that doesn't count for anything now.
Diamonds had lots of high hopes 12 months ago as they prepared to face Southern League side Evesham United.
What happened next was humiliating and disgraceful as Diamonds crashed out with a 2-0 defeat at Worcester.
Those of us making the 550-mile round trip to Cumbria can only hope that effort is worthwhile.
It might not be as easy as the 6-1 league win at Barrow. Indeed a scrappy 1-0 victory will be enough.
All that matters is keeping the dream alive and no doubt Terry will ultimately want to join his brother John in the third round!
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
