Burnley wary of Rushden threat

Ellis is ready for a battle with Rushden

League newcomers Rushden & Diamonds may not be too familiar to their Worthington Cup opponents, Burnley, but the Clarets will not make the mistake of underestimating them.

The teams have been drawn against each other in the first round of the competition and Burnley are expecting a tough match.

Burnley assistant manager Sam Ellis said: "We don't see it as a good or bad draw, there are no such things," he said.

They Rushden will fancy their chances coming here and they will be full of confidence

Burnley striker Ian Moore

"It's just a cup tie and we've just got to get on with it as best we can.

"We obviously don't know much about them and we certainly haven't seen them yet because it's only mid-June but we will know plenty about them by the time we play them."

'Big tie'

Burnley striker Ian Moore is well aware of the danger they are facing.

"They've just come up and have quite a lot of money to spend and they have some decent players down there," he said.

"I expect them to be organised and it will be a difficult game for us.

"I'm not too sure how they'll play, but they will fancy their chances coming here and they will be full of confidence."

Rushden's managing director Mark Darnell admitted that they faced a difficult task but that everyone was looking forward to the club's first-ever game in the competition.

"We are pleased just to be in the cup and obviously this is a big tie for us," he added.

"Burnley are a very big club, a couple of divisions above us, but we will be looking to go there and play well."

The tie will take place the week beginning 20 August.