Peaks will take Dyche's '˜words of wisdom' on board for Diamonds' run-in

Diamonds go into the clash with Barton Rovers at the Dog & Duck still on top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

But two successive 1-0 defeats have seen the chasing pack close in with Kings Langley now just behind them on goal difference with a game in hand while Egham Town and Royston Town are also right in the hunt.

With his team having just nine games remaining, Peaks knows it’s “imperative” they return to winning ways this weekend.

And he will have the advice of Burnley manager Sean Dyche, who was born and raised in Kettering, ringing in his ears as he prepares for the run-in.

“I am good mates with Sean, we played county football together,” the Diamonds boss said.

“I was out with him last Saturday night and we had a good chat about things and he gave me a few pointers.

“He is, of course, at a much higher level but the principles remain the same.

“It’s always good to speak to someone who has been there and done it and hopefully his words of wisdom will help in the important weeks coming up.

“We had a good session on Tuesday, they trained well and that’s what I expected from them.

“The league table doesn’t lie at this stage of the season. We must be doing something right. It’s just imperative that we bounce back this weekend.

“I have watched Barton a few times and it won’t be easy. But we must get back to winning ways.

“It’s wide open. I have said all along that it is an open league and all teams are capable of picking up and dropping points.

“There are a few sides who are getting late goals and, from that point of view, I don’t think we have had the rub of the green just recently.

“But you have to make your own luck and the only way you do that is by having a good work ethic.

“We will stick to our principles and we will keep believing.”