Diamonds' big week starts with clash against Hayes

Diamonds were left without a game at the weekend with their home clash against Aylesbury called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

But this evening’s clash with fourth-placed Hayes & Yeading United, one of only three teams to beat Diamonds in the Evo-Stik South League East this season, is set to go ahead.

A win will see Andy Peaks’ team re-open up an eight-point gap at the top while they could again pull away in the battle for one of the two automatic promotion places.

And, with a trip to another of the challengers Hartley Wintney to come at the weekend, the Diamonds boss knows his team are heading into a crucial period.

“It’s another big game,” he said.

“We are up against one of the teams who are chasing us and they have picked up a lot of points recently so we are expecting a very tough game.

“It was frustrating at the weekend because we obviously had to sit back and watch the other results but we are still in a strong position.

“This is a big week for us with two massive games, two really tough tests.

“But I have always said that it is about us and that’s still the case. We are the ones who are in control of our own destiny.

“Hopefully the weather settles down and we can get on a good run of matches and we can get on with trying to finish the job we have started.”

Diamonds still have an injury concern over striker Ben Diamond (groin) but, other than that, Peaks is expecting to have a full squad to choose from.