The Clarets started brightly and an early chance came as Dan Schiavi sent the ageless Michael Simpson free down the left, his low cross fizzed through the goal area without a touch being applied.

Diamonds were showing their class, Ben Farrell’s pass allowed Nathan Hicks space wide to cross dangerously to the near post where youngster Jack Fryett made a good interception to quell the threat.

A scramble in the home box saw Luke Hunnings and Luke Andersen combine to make three good blocks on their 6 yard line as Jack Bowen and Farrell struck for goal, an immediate swift attack saw Rangers break the deadlock on 16 mins. Scott Mooney was found on the edge of the box, he held off the attention of Blaize Punter to wriggle to the corner of the goal area before smashing the ball high into the net past Ben Heath

The Rushden response saw Bowen rise above the pack for his header to be collected by home keeper Richard Stainsby.

Rangers were rocked on 23 mins as a challenge between Kilbride and Jack Ashton left the Deeping man writhing on the ground as both Physio’s immediately rushed on to attend – the players closest to the incident were visibly shocked at what they saw.

On resumption of play the Clarets were close to extending the lead, Mooney sent Simpson free with the cross being met by Mooney who was unable to steer the header on target

Diamonds’ Farrell pounced to hit a snapshot high of the target frm the edge of the box, his next contribution sent Joel Gyasi in behind the full back, his effort for goal was well saved by Stainsby on the edge of his box only for the ball to fall for Bowen to slide past a couple of defenders into the empty net on 37 mins.

Gyasi outpaced Fryett to whip in a ball that Stainsby pushed away to be cleared by Matt Ilsley.

Half Time – Deeping Rangers 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1

As the second half unfolded it was the visitors who dominated but despite all their efforts they were unable to make the breakthrough against a determined Rangers team led by the spine of the team (centre backs Hunnings and Andersen, skipper David Burton-Jones and Mooney).

Diamonds full back Callum Westwood skewed high at the far post, John Dean nipped in behind the home back line only to lob his effort wide, Hicks met Westwood’s cross to head wide, Jack Westbrook rose to meet Gyasi’s corner with the attempt missing the guarded post.

A good challenge from Hunnings ended Dean’s run into the box and cross where Tom Lorraine was waiting, Lorraine was at the near post to touch Westwood’s cross narrowly wide.

Home veteran Simpson won well and tried to chip keeper Heath but was also too high.

Rushden’s best chance came as Westwood drove low into the home goal area where fellow full back Sam Brown arrived to somehow sky it over the bar from 3 yards.

With time almost up Ashton saw his header cleared from the line by Clarets Ilsley and Punter had his effort swept off the post by Charlie Coulson.

In the end the Rangers determination deserved another game against Diamonds and will travel to Rushden on Tuesday 4th September (ko 19.45) for the replay.

Full Time – Deeping Rangers 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1

Match Ball Sponsors: Fentons of Bourne

Deeping Rangers: 1. Richard Stainsby, 2. Matt Ilsley, 3. Jack Fryett, 4. David Burton-Jones (Capt.), 5. Luke Hunnings, 6. Luke Andersen, 7. Jason Kilbride (14. Harry Allcock – 24), 8. Charlie Coulson, 9. Scott Mooney, 10. Dan Schiavi, 11. Michael Simpson.

Subs (not used) 12. Matt Carter, 15. Archie Sootheran, 16. Jack Marsden, 17. Danny Bircham

AFC Rushden & Diamonds: 13. Ben Heath, 2. Callum Westwood, 3. Sam Brown ©, 4. Jack Westbrook, 15. Blaize Punter, 6. Jack Ashton, 7. Joel Gyasi, 8. Ben Farrell, 9. Jack Bowen (16. Tom Lorraine – 46), 10. John Dean, 11. Nathan Hicks (19. Shawn Richards – 82)

Subs (not used): 5. Liam Dolman, 14. Ty Ward, 18. Albert Hopkins, 20. Cameron Gilchrist

Referee: Stuart Richardson

Assistants: Ryan Barnes and Corey Simpson

Attendance - 347