Gary Bowyer has blasted the television companies for their decision to not pick AFC Rushden & Diamonds' Emirates FA Cup first round clash at Burton Albion as a live broadcast.

The Brewers boss has a family connection with Diamonds, as his dad Ian was a coach at Nene Park after the original club had risen from non-League to the third tier of the English game.

The current Diamonds were formed in 2011 following the former club's demise, have returned to Hayden Road, the original home of Rushden Town FC, and now play at Step 4 of non-League.

Elliot Sandy's side are one of the two lowest-ranked teams left in the competition, alongside Stafford Rangers.

Stafford's clash with Grimsby Town is being shown live on TNT Sports on Sunday lunchtime, and is one of eight picks made by TNT and the BBC.

But Diamonds' trip to the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday (ko 3pm) has been overlooked, and Bowyer believes that is a 'really poor' decision.

"My old man coached at Rushden for a short spell, when Max Griggs was there and took them into the Football League," said Bowyer.

"It was an unbelievable stadium at Nene Park, the facilities were incredible.

"This club now is 15 years old, it is in its infancy, and for it to be in the first round proper and not to be on television, as one of the two lowest-ranked clubs, is really poor from the broadcasters.

"That's not from our point of view, but if you imagine the TV money that Stafford will get for their game, what AFC Rushden & Diamonds could do with that?

"So that is a disappointment, and I am sure Rushden are really disappointed this game is not on TV, especially when you consider one or two of the games that will be broadcast."