We deserved the three points, says AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Peaks

AFC Rushden & Diamonds shot up the table after their victory at Hayden Road
AFC Rushden & Diamonds celebrate after Luke Fairlamb's goal in the 2-1 success over Hednesford Town at Hayden Road. Pictures courtesy of Hawkins Images PhotographyAFC Rushden & Diamonds celebrate after Luke Fairlamb's goal in the 2-1 success over Hednesford Town at Hayden Road. Pictures courtesy of Hawkins Images Photography
AFC Rushden & Diamonds celebrate after Luke Fairlamb's goal in the 2-1 success over Hednesford Town at Hayden Road. Pictures courtesy of Hawkins Images Photography

Andy Peaks felt AFC Rushden & Diamonds were good value for their 2-1 success over Hednesford Town, which catapulted them into the top five of the early standings in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.

A Lorrell Smith penalty and a goal from Luke Fairlamb proved to be enough to secure the points at Hayden Road while Dan Sweeney pulled a goal back for the Pitmen.

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Diamonds’ second win of the season has made it a very solid start for Peaks’ team who sit in fourth place after six matches.

Lorrell Smith is congratulated after he opened the scoring from the penalty spotLorrell Smith is congratulated after he opened the scoring from the penalty spot
Lorrell Smith is congratulated after he opened the scoring from the penalty spot

And Peaks was delighted to see his team come out on top in an entertaining affair.

“It was a game I really wanted to win because we were so good last week (in the 1-0 defeat at Bromsgrove Sporting) and got nothing so it was important we got something,” the Diamonds manager said.

“It was always going to be tough because of the calibre of the club we were up against and the good result they had last weekend but overall I thought we deserved the three points and I am really chuffed.

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“We are possibly a bit open at times but I thought we defended quite well. Hednesford have some good players so they were always going to create chances

Luke Fairlamb fires home what proved to be the winner for DiamondsLuke Fairlamb fires home what proved to be the winner for Diamonds
Luke Fairlamb fires home what proved to be the winner for Diamonds

“The whole game was probably a bit too open for some managers but I think it would have been a good game for any neutrals watching.

“Everyone put a good shift in, both teams had chances and I would think everyone who attended would have enjoyed it. Obviously, when you come out on top you enjoy it that little bit more.”

Peaks, meanwhile, had a word of praise for striker Smith who returned to the starting line-up.

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The former Brackley Town frontman grabbed his fourth goal since joining Diamonds over the summer and Peaks added: “Lorrell has had limited opportunities because of an injury and the form of others so he has had to wait but he’s a great addition and he’s different to what I have had over the last few years.

“He’s a natural goalscorer and we are a team that looks like scoring goals, which is good.

“Lorrell has come into the team and scored another goal. He’s a menace and he has added something to what is a good little group.”