Kings Langley 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 0

Diamonds recent good run of league form came to an end at Kings Langley on Saturday afternoon as a late Jordan Parkes goal clinched the points for the home side.

Jesse Aqubuine came into the side in place of Jordan MacLeod with Diamonds expecting a physical challenge over 90 plus minutes. The first half matched up to that expectation with plenty of effort and commitment from both sides in a competitive game that was light on chances. Recent “signing” Ben Acquaye was prominent for Diamonds finding the side netting on one quick break and being felled not for the first time to create a free kick chance that Matt Slinn just curled wide. Jordan Parkes came closest for Kings Langley heading a deep ball back across goal only to see it come back off the post. He was also denied after another deep ball fell for him in space but his effort was scrambled away by the Diamonds defence. The final chance of the half saw Michael Weiss run through on goal only to see Ben Heath fire his clearance off the striker for a throw in.

Diamonds started the second half really well and looked to be on the verge of scoring a number of times. Jesse Aqubuine was felled again this time Ben Acquaye taking the kick but again just finding the side netting. Ben Acquaye saw an effort just cleared for a corner, Nabil Sharif turned well in the box and saw his effort just blocked, and Ben Acquaye just failed to pounce on a Sam Brown long throw. A few yellow cards were shown in a feisty period with one challenge on Matt Slinn thought by many to justify a red.

The hosts started to create more space in the final third in the closing stages with Jordan Parkes close on two occasions before grabbing what would be the winning goal on 79 minutes. After firing a quick free-kick over the bar and curling another effort just wide he profited from another deep ball by the hosts that was knocked down to the striker to fire home from close range. Diamonds threw players forward and balls into the box to try and get back into the game but it just wouldn’t fall for them in the box and the good run of league form was over.

Diamonds now have a unwanted free week next week so don’t return to action until the trip to well supported Bromsgrove Sporting on 21st December.

Match Summary: Paul Judd

Full Report and Line-ups/stats by Ollie Mortimer to follow…

 

Updated player profiles with appearance and goalscoring details are now available.
 
Video post-match interviews are available here.

 

 

 

 

 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds

One Fan, One Vote, One Community, One Club