Ashton reflects on his perfect timing for Diamonds

Jack Ashton believes AFC Rushden & Diamonds' last-gasp NFA Hillier Senior Cup success over Kettering Town rounded off a 'good season' for the club.
Jack Ashton celebrates after he scored AFC Rushden & Diamonds' dramatic late winner against Kettering Town in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup final. Picture by Peter ShortJack Ashton celebrates after he scored AFC Rushden & Diamonds' dramatic late winner against Kettering Town in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup final. Picture by Peter Short
Jack Ashton celebrates after he scored AFC Rushden & Diamonds' dramatic late winner against Kettering Town in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup final. Picture by Peter Short

Despite having to field a much-changed line-up, Diamonds kept the Poppies at bay at Sixfields with Shawn Richards giving them the lead before Herve Pepe-N’Goma levelled before half-time.

But Andy Peaks’ side won it at the death with defender Ashton powering home a header in the final minute of stoppage-time to send the Diamonds fans into delirium.

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It was the perfect pick-up following their Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central play-off final defeat at St Ives Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

And Ashton, who revealed he played on after breaking a toe on his right foot 10 minutes into the clash with the Poppies, was delighted with the timing of his first goal of the season.

He said: “I probably couldn’t have picked a better time!

“I think there was about 30 seconds left so it was a great feeling to score at that point.

“To do it in front of all the fans was a great moment.

“I think people forget it was our first year in the league so I think we had a good season. We were two minutes away from getting promoted at the first attempt.

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“So to get the result we did against Kettering has capped off a good season for us.”

Ashton, meanwhile, is hoping to stay at the Dog & Duck for the next campaign, which is set to see Diamonds in the new surroundings of the Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South.

“I will sit down and speak to the manager,” he added.

“But I like it here. I like everyone at the club and the fans, it’s a good place to be.”

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