Eagles up next for Diamonds

Andy Peaks is looking forward to another decent test for his AFC Rushden & Diamonds team when they take on Bedford Town in their latest pre-season friendly at Hayden Road tomorrow (Friday) night.

Diamonds returned to their home ground for the first time in over six months on Tuesday as they were beaten 1-0 by National League side King’s Lynn Town.

Fans were allowed to attend the game under the new Covid-19 guidelines and 254 were on hand to see Diamonds put in a good shift against their higher-ranked opponents.

And it all added up to a good evening for boss Peaks, who is now looking ahead to the next test against the Eagles who play a level below Diamonds.

“It was nice to be back at the ground because we hadn’t been there since Covid-19 outbreak,” the Diamonds boss said.

“And to be able to come back and see fans there was particularly nice. Hopefully it means we are moving in the right direction.

“I thought we put on a decent show for them. I was looking forward to the game but I was a bit nervous because King’s Lynn are obviously a couple of levels above us now.

“They have some good players and it was always going to be a good test. You want to have a good workout and not get embarrassed and I think it was the best friendly we have had so far.

“A lot of the boys set the standard. The work-rate and organisation was fantastic.

“There were loads of positives and it gave us everything a friendly should.

“It will be a different game against Bedford but they are only one level below us and they have some good players and are looking to go well next season.

“If we let anything slip from Tuesday, it will be a tough evening for us.”

Peaks completed the signing of striker Lorrell Smith, who was with Brackley Town last season, following Tuesday’s game and confirmed he would continue to run the rule over a few more trialists as the build up to the new Southern League Premier Central campaign continues.

“We are still looking at a few trialists but we aren’t a million miles away,” he added.

“It was good to get Lorrell signed after the game on Tuesday, he will give us something a bit different.

“He’s a bit of a ‘fox in the box’ and has a good scoring record so hopefully he will do well for us.”