Draw was about right, says Diamonds boss Peaks

AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks felt the 1-1 draw against Barwell was a fair result. Picures by Alison Bagley

A season-high attendance of 694 watched on as Diamonds fell behind to a fine goal from Jahvan Davidson-Miller before Albie Hopkins levelled for the hosts four minutes before half-time.

The second half proved to be something of a non-event with neither team able to carve out clear-cut chances in the blustery conditions.

And Diamonds boss Peaks felt the final outcome was about right as Diamonds finished the day in mid-table in the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central.

Action from the 1-1 draw between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Barwell

“I think it was probably about right, we didn’t quite do enough to win the game,” Peaks said.

“After being a goal down and with them playing with the wind in the second half, you would have probably taken a point but I still felt we were more in the ascendency in the second half.

“Overall, I would say it was a tough game between two half-decent teams and it was a fair draw.

“I thought we started pretty well and we looked a threat from set-pieces but then they scored against the run of play, which was disappointing.

“And we probably had a bit of a let-off when their lad has missed the target.

“We could have been 2-0 down and I am realistic. We could have got three points but if that chance had gone in then we would have struggled to get one.

“It’s a work in progress, we learned a bit more about certain people but it was a real battle in tough conditions.

“I think we have had a steady start. I am quite happy. We seem more than comfortable and with the resources we have got, I think we are going well.”

Peaks, meanwhile, was full of praise for youngster Hopkins who has impressed since joining on loan from Oxford United.

And the Diamonds manager is hoping it could lead to him doing further business with the Sky Bet League One club further down the line.

“We have got a nice little link with Oxford, Albie has come from there and they have high hopes for him,” the he added.

“He’s been great for us and we are going to enjoy him while he’s here. He’s got a big future in the game.

“And it might be an avenue for more players to come in. Oxford like the way the club is run and that’s important because it could mean a chance to get another one in further down the line.

“Albie is doing well. I was pleased for him to get his goal at Needham Market last week and I said to him that would get another and he did.”

Diamonds are back on the road next weekend when they head to King’s Lynn Town.