Peaks delighted with Diamonds' reaction

Andy Peaks has praised his AFC Rushden & Diamonds players for their 'first class' reaction to the 4-0 defeat at Beaconsfield SYCOB just under two weeks ago.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks, pictured with assistant-manager Paul Lamb, has been delighted with his team's reaction since the defeat at Beaconsfield SYCOBAFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks, pictured with assistant-manager Paul Lamb, has been delighted with his team's reaction since the defeat at Beaconsfield SYCOB
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks, pictured with assistant-manager Paul Lamb, has been delighted with his team's reaction since the defeat at Beaconsfield SYCOB

Diamonds received a big reality check that day but have bounced back in style.

They beat Brackley Town 2-1 to book an NFA Hillier Senior Cup final date with Kettering Town.

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A 3-0 success over Ware last Saturday was then followed up by a 6-1 demolition of Arlesey Town on Tuesday night as Diamonds opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

And Peaks admits he has received just the reaction he was looking forward after that setback at Beaconsfield.

“I think it was a wake-up call,” the Diamonds boss said.

“We had some good results going into that game but we went there and didn’t quite hit the standards I expect.

“But the reaction I have had in the games since has been first class and if we keep that attitude until the end of the season we won’t be far away.”

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Diamonds’ bid for a second successive title and promotion continues at Fleet Town on Saturday.

And next week is shaping up to be huge with St Ives Town and Kings Langley, who are currently second and third respectively, visit the Dog & Duck in the space of four days.

But Peaks is refusing to look too far ahead and insists his team must focus on Fleet before they turn their attention to what could be two pivotal matches in the race for automatic promotion.

“They are only big games if we win on Saturday,” he added.

“If we get three points at the weekend then I will be able to turn round and say that we have big matches to come.

“But I am not thinking any further ahead than Saturday and that’s what we must focus on.”