It was a case of 'job done' after last Saturday's FA Cup victory over Grays Athletic.

Despite being unable to call on players due to injury, illness, ineligibility and suspension, we still managed to score three goals and keep a clean sheet to see us safely into the hat for the first round.

The game gave a number of players who have not been in the side recently due to injury the chance to stake their claim for a place in the starting XI and although we were a bit sloppy in the second half we were all delighted with the victory.

It was vital that we scored so early in the game and the own goal before half-time made things much easier for us

Then Asa Hall popped up again with another goal from outside the box to seal the win in the final 10 minutes.

Without wanting to be disrespectful to Grays it was strange to see us playing in the qualifying round of the competition but we overcame that hurdle and now find ourselves playing a team who are doing well in the league above in Rochdale.

That will be a good test for us next week but we're focusing on today's game and the visit of Rushden & Diamonds.

Although it's not quite a local derby, I know a lot of people are looking forward to this game and it gives a chance to compete with a side who have plenty of quality players at this level to cause us problems.

We will of course have your backing again today and hopefully another big crowd at Kenilworth Road can help us secure another victory that would extend our unbeaten run to six games.

We have built up some momentum over the past month with a string of fine results and it's up to us to keep it going.

The players and I are ready for the challenge and it's important - with so many home fixtures coming up before the turn of the year - to continue our good run of form at home which has been good bar one defeat.

I would now like to take this opportunity to welcome Richard Money as the new manager of the Club.

On behalf of all the players we wish him all the best. The players and I are behind him 100 per cent and we are all looking forward to working with him.

Following the appointment, I would like to say thank you to Gary Sweet and Antony Brown for their hard work and support since Mick Harford's departure as they searched to fill the managerial vacancy.

They have kept me informed with the on-going situation and as my duty as Club Captain I have kept the rest of the squad in the loop with the latest news.

I'm sure you will all join me in saying a huge well done and thank you to Alan Neilson in his role as caretaker manager, together with his staff.

His appointment as Richard's number two is thoroughly deserved and hopefully we will continue the good form of late that has seen us cement our place in the top five with a victory today.

Enjoy the game.

Nico.