Peaks pleased with 'a really important win' for Diamonds

Andy Peaks was pleased with 'a really important win' as AFC Rushden & Diamond got their promotion push firmly back on track with a 4-1 success over Aylesbury United.
Tom Lorraine jumps for joy after he competed the scoring in AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-1 victory over Aylesbury United. Pictures by Alison BagleyTom Lorraine jumps for joy after he competed the scoring in AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-1 victory over Aylesbury United. Pictures by Alison Bagley
Tom Lorraine jumps for joy after he competed the scoring in AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-1 victory over Aylesbury United. Pictures by Alison Bagley

Over 600 fans were on hand at Hayden Road to see Peaks’ team snap a six-match run without a victory as goals from Ryan Robbins, Spencer Weir-Daley, Joe Curtis and Tom Lorraine wrapped up a precious three points.

Diamonds’ recent run, which had seen them lose twice before drawing four in a row, may have resulted in them being knocked off top spot in the Evo-Stik South League East but this success ensured they remain in the second automatic promotion place with four games to play.

Joe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goalJoe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goal
Joe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goal
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Boss Peaks admitted his team were poor for the first half-an-hour before Robbins fired them in front.

But he was delighted with the final outcome as Diamonds stayed on course for promotion.

“It was a really important win, we knew we couldn’t keep relying on teams dropping points,” Peaks said.

“We did what we needed to do so I am pleased.

Boss Andy Peaks makes his point to his players at Hayden RoadBoss Andy Peaks makes his point to his players at Hayden Road
Boss Andy Peaks makes his point to his players at Hayden Road

“Performance-wise, the first half-hour was as bad as we have been for a long time and I am not afraid to admit that.

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“We didn’t pass the ball well enough and we seemed to lack confidence. I have been around long enough to know that doubt can come into your mind when things don’t appear to be going for you.

“But Ryan has come up with the sort of goal only he can score out of virtually nothing and that settled us down.

“At 2-0 we looked comfortable but then they have scored a bizarre goal and for a few minutes we struggled and Ben Heath had to make one very good save.

Joe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goalJoe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goal
Joe Curtis scores Diamonds' third goal

“But we got the third goal which was crucial and then we played pretty well towards the end.”

Diamonds are two points clear of third-placed Hayes & Yeading United and three ahead of Hartley Wintney ahead of Tuesday’s huge home clash with AFC Dunstable.