AFC Rushden & Diamonds manager Mark Starmer spoke to www.afcdiamonds.com ahead of the FA Carlsberg Vase game at Ashington on Saturday.
Mark advised that Alfie Taylor, Ashley Foulger and Elliot Dent are now back in full training and pushing for a place in the squad for the game on Saturday. Deven Ellwood is still on the injured list and expected to be out until the New Year.
Apart from Deven and the cup-tied Lance Allen, the full squad is expected to be available for the game, with the majority travelling up during the daytime on Friday, although some players have commitments on Friday which mean they will be making their own way to the North-East on Friday evening, and there is still one issue to be resolved about work cover.
With the Diamonds last game having been the victory over Basford United in Round 2 of the FA Vase on November 17th, Mark praised the players for how well they have worked in training to keep things ticking over, with extra sessions on both Saturdays where the scheduled game was postponed.
Mark stressed how the team are relishing the prospect of this game and as a club everyone is making sure the players are prepared and ready to go. He said: “We know what a big challenge this will be, but it’s not beyond us if we perform to our best. We have already played a side in the competition that were favourites to win the game, and we overcame them, so who knows – it is cup football and anything can happen. I hope there is a big crowd, and to get a few from Northamptonshire would be a massive boost to the lads.”
For a preview of the game, including details of travel options see here.
