AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3 Ware FC 0

AFC Rushden & Diamonds kept their lead at the top of the Southern League Division One Central with a 3-0 win over Ware FC at a blustery Dog & Duck on Saturday afternoon. A well-hit strike from Andy Hall had given Diamonds a half-time lead that their performance in that period struggled to justify, but a more dominant performance after the break saw close-range goals from Lewis Leslie and Jon Stevenson wrap up the points.

With both Richard Bunting and Shawn Richards unavailable, Diamonds Manager Andy Peaks made four changes to the starting line-up that had struggled in the previous league game at Beaconsfield, Claudiu Hoban and Lewis Leslie replaced Bunting and Richards, with Connor Kennedy and Jack Ashton also starting at the expense of Delroy Gordon and Luke Hipwell who dropped down to the bench.

Once again the hard-working Diamonds groundstaff take great credit for their efforts in getting the game on, and with the rain staying away the main weather issue was the swirling wind. The game started with Lewis Leslie in an advanced role in centre midfield with Brad Harris taking the holding midfield role.

It took some time for the game to really get going, and when it did it was due to the visitors’ efforts as they had two or three chances that resulted in rather wayward shots. At the other end the Diamonds were creating little, with a blocked shot from Jon Stevenson and a wayward effort from Jack Ashton about all they had to show from the first 30 minutes of the game.

After 34 minutes the Diamonds were able to take a surprise lead, with Claudiu Hoban getting in a cross from the left, with Jon Stevenson battling with Ware defenders to force an error which saw the ball deflect out to Andy Hall on the right side about 18 yards out, and his rifled shot was just inside the right hand post.

A second chance fell to Jack Ashton a few minutes later, as a free-kick into the box fell to him, and he saw his shot fumbled by keeper Coulton, but he was able to gather before a Diamonds player could capitalise. Liam Dolman had the final chance of the half after Hall and Hoban combined when taking a free-kick on the left, but his effort did not trouble Coulton.

Half-time:  AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1 Ware 0

After their improved showing in the last 15 minutes of the first half the Diamonds players quickly found their rhythm in the second period, with Tom Lorraine ready to run at the visiting defence as he linked with Jon Stevenson on the right and the resultant pass from Lewis Leslie to Claudiu Hoban saw the left-midfield hit a shot across goal that appeared to only need a touch to increase the lead.

With their team-mates keeping the ball on the deck far more the two Diamonds full-backs were able to get forwards to support the attack. Ollie Wilkinson forced a corner on the right which saw Liam Dolman almost find the space on the near post to head towards goal.

Tom Lorraine took on two visiting defenders with a fine run that ended with a pass that just eluded Lewis Leslie before Jon Stevenson charged down an attempted clearance by keeper Coulson 10 minutes into the half, but fired an effort just wide of the left-hand post. He then almost made amends with a spectacular overhead kick on the end of a long throw from Connor Kennedy, but the effort was inches over.

Although the Diamonds were now on top, there was still a threat from the visitors, with Jack Ashton covering a dangerous break down the left.

Lewis Leslie also fired narrowly wide from close range as he latched onto a Stevenson pass, and it was beginning to look like the second Diamonds goal was never going to come. However, after 69 minutes the vital goal came through Lewis Leslie who showed a goal poacher instinct to anticipate a deflected shot after good work from Lorraine and Stevenson and he was able to slot home from the edge of the six-yard box.

Dan Quigley returned to league action for the Diamonds after 70 minutes as he replaced Claudiu Hoban to bolster the central midfield, with Andy Hall switching from right to left. Jon Stevenson came close to getting the Diamonds third with a classy run and shot, but keeper Coulton was able to gather.

A further change saw Delroy Gordon replace Lewis Leslie to reinforce the Diamonds backline before the Diamonds made the game safe with their third goal. A Hall free kick from the left was won in the air by Gordon and Jon Stevenson was on hand to slot home from close range.

A late chance fell to Diamonds Man of the Match Brad Harris as a corner was cleared to him just outside the area, but his effort cleared the bar.

Full-time: AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3 Ware 0

This maintains Diamonds position at the top of the Southern League Central table as many of their rivals also picked up three points. They now host Arlesey Town on Tuesday evening before a trip to Fleet Town who have an impressive home record.

Man of the Match:  Brad Harris chosen by Members Poll

Attendance: 422

Match Gallery courtesy of Malcolm Swinden Photography (click on the link to access the Diamonds Photo Gallery for more images from this game and ecommerce options). Copyright Mal Swinden ©2016