Delight as Diamonds edge closer

Andy Peaks was delighted to see AFC Rushden & Diamonds come out on top in a tight encounter as they edged closer to promotion with a 1-0 victory over AFC Dunstable

Substitute Ben Farrell won and then scored a penalty with just seven minutes remaining to secure a second win in a row for Diamonds, who moved back to the top of the Evo-Stik South League East as a result.

Peaks’ team now have just three games remaining and, due to their superior goal difference, two wins should be enough to guarantee them one of the two automatic promotion places.

There was little to choose between Diamonds and Dunstable, who are challenging for the play-offs, for long spells at Hayden Road.

Peaks said: ““It was always going to be a big night, it was a great opportunity for us to get back to the top of the league but, more importantly, get another three points on the board against a good team who are right up there as well. “We had a good crowd in, it was never going to be pretty, it was a strong wind and the pitch was bobbly.

It was always going to be a tight game and it’s nice to come out on top. “It was a typical game which meant a lot to both teams. There were never going to be loads of chances unless someone scored early.

Read more at: Jon Dunham - Northants Telegraph