I expect a lot better, says Diamonds boss Peaks

Andy Peaks admitted he 'expects better' than what he got from his AFC Rushden & Diamonds after they slipped to defeat to 10-man Spalding United last night (Tuesday).
Action from AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 2-1 home defeat to Spalding United at the Dog & Duck. Picture by Alison BagleyAction from AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 2-1 home defeat to Spalding United at the Dog & Duck. Picture by Alison Bagley
Action from AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 2-1 home defeat to Spalding United at the Dog & Duck. Picture by Alison Bagley

Diamonds looked to be heading for victory over their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South promotion rivals when Liam Dolman fired them in front from a free-kick two minutes into the second half.

And their hopes were enhanced soon after when Spalding’s Neal Spafford was sent off for a second bookable offence.

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But the Tulips came out firing after that and they stunned the home fans with Jenk Acar levelling from the penalty spot before Leon Mettam’s fabulous free-kick won it.

Diamonds remain in the final play-off place in the table despite the defeat but Peaks was unable to hide his frustration.

“It went completely wrong,” he admitted.

“We were 1-0 up and looking good and they went down to 10 men. But from there, it was a bit of a nightmare for us.

“I am not happy with the players because I thought we stopped working. We didn’t keep the ball well enough and I think they got a bit complacent and thought the job was done.

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“We just didn’t pass the ball well enough, particularly after they went down to 10 men.

“I thought we played pretty well in the first half but the second half was poor and really not good enough from us.

“I am frustrated because the warning signs are always there. It does happen to a lot of teams when they play against 10 men.

“I don’t know why it is but we have fallen victim to it and it is a bitter disappointment.

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“We haven’t taken anything from a game we really want to get something from for obvious reasons and I expect a lot better from these players.”

Diamonds confirmed this morning that defender Jamie Tank has now completed his move to the Dog & Duck from Corby Town.

Tank will be in contention to make his debut in Saturday’s clash at fellow play-off contenders Basford United.