Peaks happy as '˜solid' Diamonds strengthen their position

Liam Dolman scores the only goal as AFC Rushden & Diamonds beat Hanwell Town at the Dog & Duck. Pictures by Alison Bagley

Andy Peaks was pleased with a 'solid' display as AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned to winning ways and strengthened their grip on an Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central play-off place with a 1-0 victory over Hanwell Town.

Skipper Liam Dolman headed home the only goal of the game in the first half at the Dog & Duck.

With Chalfont St Peter and Aylesbury both losing, Diamonds are now three points clear of the teams just outside the top five ahead of another home clash with Barton Rovers on Tuesday night.

And Peaks was delighted to see his team bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Arlesey Town last Tuesday.

The AFC Rushden & Diamonds players celebrate after Liam Dolman scored their goal against Hanwell

“I am really happy, it was a great result and an important three points,” the Diamonds boss said.

“I thought the performance was pretty solid. It wasn’t particularly dynamic and we can play a lot better.

“We actually played a lot better at Arlesey but got nothing and that’s the way football goes sometimes.

“But overall this was a good day for us. We made up a bit of ground on the teams above us and pulled away from those chasing us as well.

Diamonds boss Andy Peaks and assistant Paul Lamb watch on from the sidelines

“I have said all along that it’s all about us and we have to do what we have to do.

“We have picked up an important win without playing too well but the victory will certainly boost the confidence back up again.”

The only dampener for Diamonds was the freak injury suffered by striker Elliot Sandy.

Peaks confirmed the frontman’s nose was broken during the celebrations after Dolman had scored.

He added: “To be honest, the injury sums up how things have gone for us in the past few weeks.

“We aren’t going to lie about the situation, he suffered the broken nose during the celebrations for the goal and it’s another hurdle for us to jump over.

“It’s obviously very disappointing but, on the positive side, we were able to give Robbie Parsons some time on the pitch and Tom Liversedge is now back from injury.”