Dog and Duck Stadium, London Road, Wellingborough NN8 2DP
Kick-Off 3pm
ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division
Saturday 11th April 2015
AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Wellingborough Town
AFC Rushden & Diamonds will host Wellingborough Town on Saturday on one of the most important games in their short history as they strive to become champions of the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division. The team know they need four points from their remaining four games to reach 93 points and clinch the title ahead of Wisbech Town and Thurnby Nirvana, both of whom can only reach 92 points if they win their four remaining games.
The fixture has been declared as a “Pay What You Want” game. The original fixture was the Boxing Day game that was abandoned mid-way through the second half – as detailed here
Those attending will be able to make a voluntary donation into buckets outside the main turnstiles on a “pay what you want” basis, whether or not they attended the original game. The turnstiles will still be used for the purpose of recording the attendance.
The Diamonds have secured promotion from the ChromaSport & Trophies UCL Premier Division, but are now aiming to complete their campaign by securing the league title, something that could happen on Saturday if they extend their lead over the two teams challenging them for the title.
The original fixture was the Boxing Day game that was abandoned mid-way through the second half – as detailed here
Chairman Ralph Burditt is looking forward to the fixture “It’s a great way to give the fans something back who have been fantastic all season. It is also a great opportunity for anyone to come down and see what we are all about. Other clubs who have run Pay What You Want fixtures have had fantastic attendances, and we will be hoping for the same. With the outside chance of clinching the title it promises to be a fantastic occasion”
Manager Andy Peaks has called for the supporters to come out in force “The fans have been top drawer all season and I hope they get behind this initiative and bring friends and colleagues along to show them what we are about. It was great to get over the promotion line on Easter Monday, however we are going for the double and want to keep going as we have done all season”
A Programme will be produced for this game which will be on sale inside the turnstiles as normal – please note that those with programme season tickets will still need to purchase these if they want a copy.
Those with season-long reservations for seats in the Peter Ebdon Stand will still be entitled to occupy their reserved seats.
Please be aware that there are roadworks on London Road by the ground, with local parking arrangements affected.
Our Opponents
Wellingborough Town FC were originally formed in 1867, and had a proud history being the sixth oldest in the country, although the current club was launched in 2004, two years after the original club had disbanded.
Phil Neal, of Liverpool and England fame, started his career with the club, and AFC Rushden & Diamonds Manager Andy Peaks played at the Dog & Duck during the 2006/07 season. Ex AFC R&D players who have returned to the Dog & Duck to play for the Doughboys include Jake Newman, Rashid Koriya, Aynsley Mcdonald and Louis Smith. Jason Turner was the top scorer for the Doughboys last season.
During recent months they they were managed by Joe Smyth and Steve Herring, but they have recently announced they are to leave at the end of the campaign, and the club have announced that Jamie Wright is to take control next season. This is the Doughboys last game of the season. Their club colours are blue and yellow, and their club website is here and their Twitter feed here.
The Dog and Duck
For directions to the Dog and Duck see here, where you will also find details of car parking options. You will find a range of bars and catering facilities, as well as a Club Shop. There is covered seating available, as well as two covered standing areas. You can see a stadium plan that maps out these facilities here, along with details of catering facilities (including a snack bar menu / prices with details of the famous Diamond Burger).
Normal admission prices are detailed here. There are details on how to become a member of AFC R&D here.
There is always a need for additional volunteers to help with ongoing maintenance and matchday work, as detailed here.
Other Info
A summary set of profiles for the Diamonds Players and Management is here. Individual player profiles are here, with player and match stats available here.
Player and Match Sponsorship options are detailed in the Commercial Section of this website as detailed here.
The fixture list is here, and latest fixture news is here. Don’t forget you can get a regular Diamonds news bulletin delivered to your inbox, including details of all the forthcoming fixtures by signing up to the Club Newsletter – you will see a sign-up box on the right-hand side of the site homepage – just under the Hevey Logo.
For details of the history of AFC Rushden & Diamonds see here.
There are details on how to become a member of AFC R&D here, as well as news on Season Tickets, Multiple Game Tickets and related prices here.
The club depends upon volunteer support from its fanbase. If you would like to join the group who help either on matchdays or behind the scenes see here.
A full directory of UCL clubs, including links to websites, ground details (with a map pinpointing all the UCL grounds), along with club links including Twitter details plus some general UCL links is here.
People accessing the website via Tablet or Mobile who want to access some of the nested menus on the website may find the “Quick Links” tab useful – found just above the “Hevey” logo on the homepage.
