Diamonds must not drop standards, says Peaks

Andy Peaks wants AFC Rushden & Diamonds to maintain their high standards this weekend

Diamonds shook off the disappointment of their FA Trophy exit at the hands of Lincoln United by claiming a comfortable 3-0 success at Loughborough Dynamo last weekend thanks to a brace from Tom Lorraine and Ben Ford’s first goal for the club.

The victory extended Diamonds’ unbeaten run in the league to 12 matches and they sit just one point off the play-off places with games in hand on the majority of teams above them.

Peaks’ team had been due to be back in action on Tuesday but their Integro League Cup clash with county rivals Corby Town was postponed due to the Dog & Duck pitch being waterlogged following the heavy rain on Monday.

Now they are focusing on tomorrow’s (Saturday) home clash with Market Drayton Town.

It looks, on the face of it, like another opportunity to keep the run going with the visitors sitting in 18th place in the table.

But Peaks is staying cautious and has warned his players not to allow their levels to drop.

“We are going well in the league at the moment so we are looking forward to the next game,” the Diamonds boss said.

“It would have been nice to play on Tuesday night and get some minutes into the boys who need them but it wasn’t to be and now we can re-focus on the league.

“I think what this league has shown us is if we are at it and at our best then we can compete with the teams at the top.

“But if you allow your levels to drop and you go into games expecting things to happen instead of working hard for it then you can come unstuck against anyone.

“I think it is generally quite a tight league and Rugby (who are bottom of the table) beating (morning leaders) Newcastle last weekend really summed it all up.

“We know we have to be right at it in every game.

“We have got ourselves into a good position with a decent run and we have to try to keep that going.

“This weekend is another game where if we go and perform as well as I know we can then we will give ourselves a good chance.

“But anything less will make it difficult and the players are well aware of that.”