Boss Sandy relieved as impressive win double lifts Diamonds well clear of drop zone
Two important wins in the space of five days have lifted AFC Rushden & Diamonds out of the relegation zone and into mid-table in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
Unbeaten in four games, Diamonds first overcame Rugby Town 2-0 at Hayden Road last Tuesday night before securing an impressive 3-0 victory at Coleshill Town last weekend.
The team is on a great little, and manager Elliot Sandy is just happy to get the results that have taken them out of the drop zone and up to 14th – six points clear of the bottom four.
"I didn’t fear being relegated, but you’ve always a doubt in the back of your mind when you are near the foot of the table," said Sandy, ahead of Saturday’s tricky trip to fourth-placed Basford United
"Our away form has not been good, but now we’ve got the monkey off the back away wise we can move on.
"The pleasing thing is that we look more solid defensively and I am delighted that we have put together back-to-back clean sheets."
Wide man Bruno Andrade continues to impress and two more goals against Coleshill takes him into double figures for the season.
With 21 goal involvements this campaign, Sandy is well aware of former Kettering Town man Andrade’s importance to the team.
"Bruno is probably the best player in the league and we are lucky to have him in the side," said the Diamonds boss.
Sandy has been busy and made three signings in the past week.
Midfielder Will Russell has now featured in Diamonds' last two games having joined from Step 5 side Moulton, while former Diamonds academy player Tom Simmons returns to the club on a dual registration basis from Bugbrooke.
The 22-year-old full back was part of the academy side that won the Under-16 national title six years ago.
Also joining Rushden is central midfielder Bruce Tsinonis, who arrives from Bedworth Town.
On Saturday Diamonds travel to in-form Basford.
The Nottinghamshire side are unbeaten in five games and have suffered just one defeat in eight matches, but earlier in the season Diamonds beat Basford 4-2 at Hayden Road.
Sandy said: "Our momentum is great at the moment. We have a young squad hungry and eager to learn.
"We just need to now realise our potential and believe in ourselves."