Boss Sandy delighted as Diamonds bounce back to sink Steelmen

Elliot Sandy was delighted to see his AFC Rushden & Diamonds bounce back from Boxing Day derby disappointment to secure a 3-1 New Year's Day win at Northants rivals Corby Town.

Diamonds suffered a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Wellingborough Town post Christmas, but had the chance to secure some county bragging rights at Steel Park just a week later, and they took it.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds celebrate Joel Nketia's second goal in front of the travelling supporters at Stel Park (Picture: Jim Darrah)

placeholder image — AFC Rushden & Diamonds celebrate Joel Nketia's second goal in front of the travelling supporters at Stel Park (Picture: Jim Darrah)

Early goals in each half from skipper Joel Nketia set Diamonds on their way as the went 2-0 up.

And although Harrison Jones pulled one back from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 late on, Bruno Andrade sealed the three points with a stoppage time strike, much to the delight to large amount of Diamonds fans who made the short trip across county.

Joel Nketia celebrates his opening goal for AFC Rushden & Diamonds at Corby Town (Picture: Jim Darrah)

The win was sweet revenge following the Steelmen's 1-0 win at Hayden Road in August, and sees Diamonds sitting 14th in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division, seven points off the play-offs and seven points clear of the bottom four.

"We knew had to be at it, and I am just deighted for all the fans that travelled because they were unbelievable," Sandy told @AFCRD.

"We needed a bounce back from Boxing Day and we got that by scoring after four or five minutes and we then dominated the game really.

"We didn't take the chance to kill it, then I thought we did, and then a bizarre penalty decision that was really soft makes it an exciting finish.

Joel Nketia (no.4) runs away to celebrate his opening goal for AFC Rushden & Diamonds at Corby Town (Picture: Phil Passingham)

"I am glad that we then recovered from that to go and get the third one and put the game to bed."

And he added: "We were so comfortable at 1-0 we were sort of in second gear.

"We weren't going through the motions, but there was no tempo to our play, and in the second half of the first half we did just drop off a little bit.

"Corby came out well in the second half, but we then took that goal and after that it was about managing the game because we didn't want to invite them back into it.

"That's our first win at Steel Park, and it was brilliant."

With this weekend's scheduled clash with Anstey Nomads postponed due Anstey being on FA Trophy duty, Diamonds now have a lengthy break before their return to action with a home date against Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday, January 17.