Saturday 8th March 2008
Setanta Shield 6th round
Vics 0 v 4 Rushden & Diamonds

Some would argue that this fixture was no more than a diversion from the main aim of preserving their status within the Conference. Dino Maamria claimed that progress in this competition was an extension of his team's development.
In reality, by 5pm, the outlook on both footings looked bleak, having been unceremoniously dumped out of the Setanta Shield at the same time as their major relegation rivals all gained valuable league points.

The absence of the injured Lee Steele and the unavailability of cup tied Darryn Stamp is not enough to excuse or justify today's performance that was embarrassingly inadequate.
With the advantage of a strong wind at their backs more can have been expected than a singular threat provided by a long Belle throw that, after a couple of blocked attempts on goal, eventually came to nothing. Instead Diamonds won a corner and with both keeper and his defenders in disarray CHALLINOR was able to open the scoring. A second in the 32nd minute effectively killed a game that had never been born. Play was switched to the Diamonds left, exploiting a weakness around the positional sense of Bowler, that allowed KELLY far too much time to move inside and pick his spot. Could things get worse? Only too easily!!!

Belle committed his second clumsy and unnecessary foul that earned a yellow card. And KELLY launched the resultant free kick over everyone to see it nestle into the far corner of the net. Could it get any worse? Only too easily!

Once again Vics' naivety around defending a set piece was cruelly exposed leaving CHALLINOR to score with embarrassing ease from close range.
The manager chose to replace skipper Walsh with Kerr at half time, which may have been harsh had this been tactical rather than through necessity, especially given the more inept performances of some of his colleagues. As it was - little changed. Vics rarely looked like making any effective contribution, let alone launch a fight back.