Peaks expecting a tough test as Diamonds bid for another win

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will be bidding for back-to-back wins when they take on Barwell at Hayden Road this weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Oct 2018, 13:40 BST
Updated 11th Oct 2018, 13:44 BST
Albie Hopkins takes the congratulations after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' fifth goal in the fine 5-1 success at Needham Market last weekend. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImagesAlbie Hopkins takes the congratulations after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' fifth goal in the fine 5-1 success at Needham Market last weekend. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages
Albie Hopkins takes the congratulations after scoring AFC Rushden & Diamonds' fifth goal in the fine 5-1 success at Needham Market last weekend. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages

But boss Andy Peaks has warned his players they face a “completely different game” to last weekend when they claimed a superb 5-1 success at Needham Market.

Goals from Ben Diamond, Jack Bowen, Declan Rogers, Tom Lorraine and Albie Hopkins gave Diamonds their best win since gaining promotion to the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central.

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Peaks is now hoping his team can follow that up on home soil tomorrow (Saturday) but he expecting a stern test from a Barwell side who sit just below Diamonds in the table.

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“Obviously the aim is to try to make it back-to-back wins,” the Diamonds boss said.

“But we know it will be a completely different game to last weekend.

“Needham Market were a younger side who were a bit naive but that won’t be the case with Barwell.

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“Jimmy (manager Ginnelly) always has his teams working hard and we will have to earn the right.

“They have some good players and I think they are in a bit of a false position at the moment.

“It will be tough but we are going into it with confidence after a great win.”

That big victory at Needham Market was most welcome for Peaks and his players after a mixed start to the campaign.

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And the manager was delighted with the way his team went about their business, especially when it came to the way they knocked the ball around.

“To be honest, I think we have played reasonably well all season but last weekend we were just better in both boxes and we need that trend to carry on,” he added.

“We can still defend better but we were really clinical at the other end and we played some good football as well.

“I know some people have been saying we have been going long in recent matches but that’s what happens when you are a team scratching around for a win.

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“It certainly isn’t the way I want my team to play but it’s a trap players fall into sometimes.

“But it was much better last weekend.

“We passed it really well and everyone wanted to get on the ball, and that’s what happens when you are winning and on top in matches.”