Peaks wants a big reaction from Diamonds

Andy Peaks wants a reaction from his AFC Rushden & Diamonds players when they travel to Royston Town tomorrow

Diamonds make the trip to Hertfordshire having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Hayes & Yeading United in the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup last Saturday.

But boss Peaks is, as usual, taking the setback in his stride.

Diamonds, in general, have made an encouraging start to life in the Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central and now he is keen to see how his players react following a below-par display against lower-ranked opposition last time out.

“I am looking forward to seeing what reaction we get,” the Diamonds boss said.

“It’s another tough game away from home and I am keen to see how the players will respond.

“We weren’t terrible last weekend, we have certainly played a lot worse than that.

“It’s just very disappointing that is came in the FA Cup where you don’t get a second chance.

“It hurt and it still does to an extent but what’s done is done and we have to get on with it.

“From our point of view, we have to make sure we react well and, in the past, when we have had setbacks, we have usually responded in the right way.

“There is no major drama from me. I know enough about my players. They will have more good games than bad over the whole season.”

Last weekend’s defeat could give Peaks some licence to shake things up with his squad.

And while he admitted he make “look at different things”, he insists wholesale changes won’t be on the cards.

“It gives me the option to look at different things,” he added.

“But it wasn’t really about individuals last weekend, it was a collective thing. We just had one of those days when we didn’t have enough players at it.

“I am not going to go mad and change everything because, in general, I have been happy with what we have done so far.

“If we start making massive changes it will only send out the wrong signal.”