Peaks wants to see his Diamonds ‘get back on a run’

Andy Peaks is keen for AFC Rushden & Diamonds to get “back on a run” as they return to BetVictor Southern League Premier Central action this weekend.
Ben Acquaye in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-0 defeat at South Shields last weekend. The winger scored twice as Diamonds bounced back in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImagesBen Acquaye in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-0 defeat at South Shields last weekend. The winger scored twice as Diamonds bounced back in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages
Ben Acquaye in action during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 4-0 defeat at South Shields last weekend. The winger scored twice as Diamonds bounced back in midweek. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages

After making a flying start to the season, in which they picked up 13 points from their first six matches, Peaks’ team have won just one of their last nine league games and have dropped down into mid-table.

However, they are just four points off the play-off positions and the Diamonds boss knows a couple of wins will give the table a much different complexion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Knockout football has dominated the past week as Diamonds were well beaten 4-0 at South Shields in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy last weekend before returning to winning ways with a 4-0 home success over Yaxley in the second round of the Southern League Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

But the focus is now back on the league and Peaks knows it won’t be easy for his team when they head to Alvechurch tomorrow (Saturday).

“We have got to get back on a run,” the Diamonds boss said.

“We may have dropped down a few places but we are still in and around it all because of how tight the league is.

“Two or three wins will just shoot you right up the table and that’s what we need to aim for.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But it’s always tough at Alvechurch. They may not be repeating the success of last season so far but it’s still a difficult place to go.

“The one thing we know about this league is that if you aren’t on it then it will always be hard.

“So we will go there with the right mindset and try to get a positive result.”

Nat Gosnal-Tyler gave Diamonds the lead in midweek before a fine Nathan Hicks strike and two goals from Ben Acquaye wrapped up the victory over Yaxley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the game also saw the return of striker Nabil Shariff who re-signed for the club on Monday, a move that has left Peaks delighted.

“It was a good win, I thought we played quite well in the second half in particular,” Peaks added.

“But the main aim was to get back to winning ways and that’s what we did, it will do good things for the morale.

“We gave players the minutes they needed and it was good to get Nabs (Shariff) back involved.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s fantastic news that he is back. He left the club for all the right reasons to try his luck at a higher level.

“He left with our best wishes and he’s back with our best wishes. We have stayed in touch and we have talked about him coming back but, before now, it just hadn’t been right for everyone.

“Now it is and we are delighted to have him with us. We know what he will bring and what he’s all about."

Related topics: