Peaks' delight as Diamonds make a timely return to form

Jason Lee scored his first goal for AFC Rushden & Diamonds as they saw off Barton Rovers 4-0 at the Dog & Duck

Andy Peaks was delighted after AFC Rushden & Diamonds made a timely return to top form with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Barton Rovers at the Dog & Duck.

Goals from Claudiu Hoban, Jon Stevenson, Jason Lee and debutant Jack Bowen made it two home wins in a row Peaks’ side, who tightened their grip on an Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central play-off place.

They now head to leaders Egham Town on Saturday knowing another win will all-but secure a top-five finish while a success could even give them an outside chance of claiming the title on the final day, dependent on other results.

But Peaks was just happy with what he described as a “comprehensive win” last night (Tuesday).

And, with an NFA Hillier Senior Cup final against Kettering Town to look forward to next Wednesday, ahead of the final-day clash with Godalming Town, the Diamonds boss believes things are set up perfectly.

“It was a really comprehensive win, the lads played some good stuff throughout the game,” he said.

“It petered out in the last 15 minutes when we made a few changes but it was a massively important three points for us.

“I am sure that win will boost the confidence and I was disappointed we weren’t at least 3-0 up before we actually scored because we could have been.

“It was a good performance and hopefully we have hit some good form again at the right time.

“We are in a good position and it sets us up for a great last week of the season with two massive league games and a cup final to look forward to.”

Don’t miss more Diamonds news on this website and in Thursday’s Northamptonshire Telegraph