Derby day dawns for Diamonds and Poppies

It’s derby day for AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering Town as the local rivals prepare to clash at Hayden Road at lunchtime today (1pm kick-off).
By Jon Dunham
Published 21st Apr 2019, 19:15 BST
Updated 21st Apr 2019, 19:27 BST
Joe Curtis battles for possession for AFC Rushden & Diamonds during their 5-0 defeat at Coalville Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImagesJoe Curtis battles for possession for AFC Rushden & Diamonds during their 5-0 defeat at Coalville Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages
Joe Curtis battles for possession for AFC Rushden & Diamonds during their 5-0 defeat at Coalville Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages

The second Northamptonshire derby has now become something of a dead rubber but local pride for the clubs and their supporters will still be at stake.

Diamonds go into the final home game of the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central season seeking a response after they were on the end of a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Coalville Town on Saturday.

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The defeat put to bed any lingering hopes Andy Peaks’ men had of finishing in the play-off places and has left them in eighth place in the table.

Kettering Town celebrated their title success after the 1-0 loss to Barwell at Latimer Park. Picture by Peter ShortKettering Town celebrated their title success after the 1-0 loss to Barwell at Latimer Park. Picture by Peter Short
Kettering Town celebrated their title success after the 1-0 loss to Barwell at Latimer Park. Picture by Peter Short

The Poppies, meanwhile, celebrated their title success at Latimer Park on Saturday, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Barwell.

Marcus Law’s team will be looking to complete the double over their local rivals after a last-gasp Rhys Hoenes header gave Kettering a 2-1 victory over Diamonds in the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day.

Poppies fans attending today’s game are reminded that they need to purchase a ticket in advance by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/afcrd while Diamonds fans will be able to pay on the gate.

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There is also Easter Monday action at Steel Park this afternoon as Corby Town take on Yaxley (3pm kick-off).

The Steelmen suffered a 2-1 defeat at AFC Dunstable on Saturday and will be looking to hit back in the last home game of the regular Evo-Stik League South Division One Central season.

Steve Kinniburgh’s team head to Kidlington next Saturday before they turn their attention to the play-offs, in which they will have a home semi-final on Wednesday, May 1 (7.45pm kick-off).

Related topics:PoppiesNorthamptonshire