TWO goals from Danny Scheppel helped the Robins make history as they booked their place in the first round of the FA Cup for the first time.

Blue Square Premier outfit Rushden were second best on an afternoon when Paul West’s men turned on the style in front of 609 fans at St George’s Lane.

Diamonds started the brighter and Daryl Clare had a couple of early openings but it was United who struck the first blow after 18 minutes.

The impressive Simon Fitter swung over a teasing near post cross that Scheppel swept into the roof of the net.

Keeper Nathan Vaughan saved from Nottingham Forest loanee Brendan Maloney as the visitors sought a quick response, while Lee Tomlin was also denied by the home stopper.

Steven Hands saw his 39th-minute shot saved after another Fitter free-kick had caused problems, while Andy Burgess fired a foot wide at the other end.

Lee Phillips raced clear a minute later but his shot was expertly pushed out by Vaughan for what proved a crucial save.

Both skippers, Danny Hodnett and Curtis Woodhouse, both saw yellow as tempers started to flare as half-time approached.

Vaughan made two more important interceptions as crosses rained into the home goalmouth after the break.

The Robins hit back when Fitter almost caught Dale Roberts out but the keeper back-pedalled and tipped the midfielder’s 45-yarder over the bar.

Diamonds might have had a let-off there but they endured further misery when Gareth Jelleyman saw a straight red card after a 62nd-minute two-footed challenge on Fitter.

The latter was then narrowly wide with a free-kick from 18 yards as the hosts continued to outwit their loftier opponents whose attacking ideas were limited as they came up against a stout Evesham rearguard.

Rushden introduced all three substitutes before the tie was settled nine minutes from time.

Michael Hayden sent over a left wing cross that Scheppel glanced beyond Roberts and into the corner of the net.

Cue jubilant celebrations from players and fans alike, but there was no switching off for West’s men who kept their focus for the four extra minutes as they registered a magnificent success.

“It’s been a great day for the club,” said manager West. “I think we would have beaten them if they had played with 11, I can’t say enough about the efforts of all my players.”