Declan is loving his time back with Diamonds

Declan Rogers is clearly enjoying his second spell at AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
Declan Rogers shows his delight after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' second goal in the 3-1 victory over Coalville Town in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImagesDeclan Rogers shows his delight after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' second goal in the 3-1 victory over Coalville Town in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages
Declan Rogers shows his delight after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' second goal in the 3-1 victory over Coalville Town in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages

The midfielder re-joined the club at the end of last month and has made a big impact ever since with a series of impressive displays.

Rogers has scored in the last three matches and produced a man-of-the-match display in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Coalville Town, scoring the second goal as Andy Peaks’ team made it five matches without defeat in the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That win came after Diamonds had suffered late heartbreak last weekend when Rogers’ goal looked like being enough to secure all three points at King’s Lynn Town, only for the hosts to snatch a last-gasp equaliser in the final minute of stoppage-time.

But Rogers, who is yet to taste a league defeat with Diamonds since re-signing for them, was pleased with the way they bounced back in midweek.

He joked: “I’m not saying too much but since I have been here we haven’t lost! Maybe I am the lucky charm!

“But it’s been great and I am really starting to enjoy my football. I have been hit and miss over the last year but I am happy to be here.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have got a decent pitch, the gaffer (Peaks) is great and the players want to play football which suits me. I can’t ask for anything more at the moment.

“We have been pushing for a result like the one we got on Tuesday and drawing at the weekend was an absolute killer with them scoring in stoppage-time.

“It was a gutting feeling but we have come back and got a good win at home.

“I played against Coalville earlier in the season and they like to attack but they leave themselves open and it gave us the chance to play some good stuff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We were good going forward and we got the goals we needed.”

Diamonds, who are now sitting in eighth in the league table, are gearing up for a change of focus this weekend as they take on St Ives Town - one of Rogers’ former clubs - in the first qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy at Hayden Road.

The two teams shared a 0-0 draw in the league at the end of last month with Rogers coming on as a substitute in his first game back with Diamonds.

He is certain to start on Saturday having earned his spot over the last few matches.

And he added: “St Ives will be physical and they will be looking to break us down.

“But we will just try to play football, get some goals and get through to the next round.”

Related topics: