Diamonds hoping for happy homecoming as they tackle rivals Loughborough
AFC Rushden & Diamonds will be hoping for some long overdue home comfort when they host Loughborough Students in a crucial Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division clash on Saturday (ko 3pm).
After five straight away matches, Diamonds return to Hayden Road for the first time since the 0-0 draw with Bourne back on October 14 and manager Elliot Sandy and his players are looking forward to going home again.
It has been a mixed week for Diamonds, who followed up a much-needed first away win of the season at Boldmere on Saturday with a hard-fought 3-2 defeat at leaders Carlton Town on Tuesday night.
That loss leaves them fourth from bottom and still in the relegation places, but they know a win over a Loughborough side that sit one place and one point above them in the table will see them climb out of the drop zone.
Loughborough haven’t won in six games, but they have had some eye-catching results this season in beating high flying Lichfield City 6-1 and putting five past Long Eaton, and Sandy admits they are a tough team to prepare for.
"Loughborough have had some different results, and you don't really know what you are going to get from them" Sandy told @AFCRD.
"In this league it is obvious to see, with how tight it is, that if you get two or three wins you are up in the mix for the play-offs so you can't take anyone lightly.
"Even though Loughborough are just above us in the league, that match is going to be just as tough a game as Boldmere was on Saturday, so we have to prepare properly.
"We have a lot of belief in the group, and we are looking forward to playing back at home."
Diamonds were boosted with the return of captain Joel Nketia last weekend after an ankle injury, while midfielders Ty Ward, Aidan Webster and Hugh Dawson will all hopefully be available for Saturday.
Peterborough United youngster Joe Davies has also joined on a 28-day loan, and made his debut against Boldmere, while Lamine Sherif signed on dual registration from Spalding United and played at Carlton.
Looking ahead to the clash with Loughborough, the Diamonds boss said: “We fancy ourselves against anyone at home.
"There’s a real belief and confidence in this squad, and with everybody back on Saturday I think that we can go on a run and potentially secure points to get us up the table.
“With so many recent injuries we’ll hopefully have some bodies back for this Saturday and a full squad to pick from.”