Leslie's sure there's more to come from Diamonds

Lewis Leslie believes there's plenty more to come from AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
Lewis Leslie in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 1-1 draw with Lincoln United last weekend. Picture by Alison BagleyLewis Leslie in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 1-1 draw with Lincoln United last weekend. Picture by Alison Bagley
Lewis Leslie in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 1-1 draw with Lincoln United last weekend. Picture by Alison Bagley

The midfielder and his team-mates are currently preparing for a trip to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South leaders Shaw Lane on Saturday.

Diamonds have thrown themselves into contention for the play-off places following an unbeaten run of 15 matches, which stretches back to the opening week of the season.

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That run is set to get its biggest test so far at the weekend when Diamonds go up against a Shaw Lane side who are yet to taste defeat on their own ground in the league so far.

But, given Andy Peaks’ team have won six, drawn one and lost just one on the road, the setback being at Newcastle Town on the first day of the campaign in August, it’s understandable that Leslie is fancying their chances of upsetting the table-toppers.

However, despite their fine form in the league, Leslie believes Diamonds haven’t “fully clicked” just yet.

“Away from home, I fancy us to beat anyone at the minute,” he said.

“We play on the counter-attack and that seems to suit us.

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“We have a bit more freedom and the lads try a few different things, whereas at home there is always a bit more fear over making a mistake.

“I still don’t think we have fully clicked yet and to be in the position we are is good, especially considering the amount of injuries we had to deal with earlier in the season.

“You have got Shaw Lane and Witton, who we haven’t played yet, and then I think we are as good if not better than the rest.

“We know we have drawn too many matches and we need to go on a good winning run.

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“When it all comes together, I think we will be a real force.”

While their away form has been outstanding, it has been a different story at the Dog & Duck.

Again, Diamonds have been beaten just once on their own ground, but they have won twice and drawn on six occasions.

The latest of those was a 1-1 stalemate with Lincoln United last weekend.

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And Leslie added: “I have played them (Lincoln) three times now after we also had them in the FA Trophy and they are a big, strong team but we have got to start nicking wins at home,” he added.

“We are not losing, that’s the only positive from it.

“We are winning away from home and doing all the hard work.

“But then we come back to our own ground and we whimper a little bit, which is something we need to sort out.”