Diamonds welcome old friends Barwell FC back to Hayden Road for Southern League Premier Central action on Saturday afternoon.
Ticket Information and COVID Regulations
The match is all ticket with a limit of 450 and it sold out for the midweek FA Cup tie so best get your tickets early to ensure you can enjoy the game. Latest ticket information here.https://www.afcdiamonds.com/emirates-fa-cup-v-newark-fc-ticket-news/
Hayden Road COVID ground regulations have continued to be enhanced as government regulations change and supporter feedback is taken on board so please familiarise yourself with the regulation here – and please listen closely to steward advice on entry.https://www.afcdiamonds.com/covid-19-notice-to-supporters-latest-information/
Barwell FC
Diamonds first encountered Barwell FC as higher ranked opposition in an epic FA Cup tie but we now sit on level terms as Southern League Premier Central opponents and this will be the third season contesting at this level.
Barwell were formed in 1992 as Barwell Athletic and Hinkley FC merged mirroring the merger of Irthlingborough Diamonds and Rushden Town to create Rushden and Diamonds over in East Northamptonshire. Barwell took Hinckley’s Midland Alliance league placing and later became founder members of the Midland Alliance. Promotion in the late 2000s saw them into the Northern/Southern League yo before being allocated to Southern League Premier Central along with Diamonds.
Diamonds vs Barwell FC
The epic FA Cup tie between the sides was won in a replay by Barwell and put them excitingly into the First Round Proper. Less excitingly they drew Welling United and went down 2 0 at home. Liam Dolman’s injury time equaliser in the first game and his celebration with the fans is still the favourite moment for many Diamonds history for many.
Barwell have been Southern League Premier Central opponents for the last two seasons and Diamonds are unbeaten in four games. After a pair of 1 1 draws in the first season Diamonds won both games last season with an opening day 2 0 win followed up by a 3 1 home win.
Recent Form
Diamonds have the slightly better one game league form with an opening day draw at Nuneaton Borough versus a 2-1 home defeat for Barwell against Lowestoft Town.
Barwell fared a tad better in midweek FA Cup action with a 3-1 win over Bedworth United slightly beating Diamonds 5-0 home defeat to Newark FC. It was a massive shock for Diamonds who were a goal down to a penalty in the 2nd minute, and 3 down in 22 minutes as they were outplayed by their Midland League opponents. An improved second half that saw some pressure and chances created will give encouragement but Diamonds conceded twice more on the break.
Can’t Make The Game?
If you can’t make the game Diamonds have a good range of media output that can keep you in touch with the action. Radio Diamonds will do their excellent live commentary – a special mention for keeping the positivity going during that 5-0 home FA Cup defeat – together with live twitter updates. Instagram and facebook also carry coverage and AFCRDTV will bring highlights and interviews. Find details and links here. https://www.afcdiamonds.com/radio-diamonds-2/
