Diamonds back in action with an Ar Tarn test

Andy Peaks' team will play their first pre-season friendly at a neutral venue on Saturday
Chris Wreh, pictured in action for Dunstable Town against Corby Town last season, has re-signed for AFC Rushden & DiamondsChris Wreh, pictured in action for Dunstable Town against Corby Town last season, has re-signed for AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Chris Wreh, pictured in action for Dunstable Town against Corby Town last season, has re-signed for AFC Rushden & Diamonds

AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ pre-season friendly programme begins in earnest this weekend when they take on United Counties League side Desborough Town.

The two sides will meet at a neutral venue on Saturday with the match, like every friendly at present, being played behind closed doors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Diamonds boss Andy Peaks is planning for a proposed start date of September 19 for the new Southern League Premier Central campaign.

And he said: “We have got the friendly with Desborough on Saturday and I think it will be better than training for us.

“We are preparing for the September 19 date and we have started pre-season properly over the past week and we will have some friendlies along the way and see where it takes us.

“There are a few players we need to look at and you learn more about them in a match situation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s a different pre-season to what we are used to but we have adjusted to it. All we can do is be as ready as we can be.”

Diamonds’ most recent addition saw striker Chris Wreh return to the club having been with Dunstable Town at Step 4 last season.

And Peaks confirmed he is hoping to add further new faces over the coming weeks.

“Chris offers us something a bit different,” the Diamonds manager added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have had him here before when he was very raw but he scores goals. He is a very good finisher and he puts a shift in and holds the ball up.

“More importantly, he wants to be here which is key. I am sure he will do well for us.

“We would like to add more and at this time of year there is always a lot of talk about who is going where.

“I am happy with what I have got but I am looking to add a couple or three over the next few weeks and then we will be good to go.”

Diamonds pre-season friendlies

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saturday: Desborough Town (neutral venue), August 15: Whitworth (a), August 22: Kempston Rovers (a), August 25: King’s Lynn Town (h), September 2: Rushden & Higham United (h), September 5: Daventry Town (a), September 8: Barton Rovers (h), September 12: Brackley Town (a).

Related topics: