A young AFC Rushden & Diamonds U21 side fought bravely to try to retain the James Victory Cup, but were beaten by two powerful strikes from Buckingham Town on Thursday evening.
At a much improved Manor Fields, now an all-seater stadium, the Robins had the better of the early exchange,s and took a well-deserved one goal lead into the interval, courtesy of a strike from 30 yards from Lewis Cardno that gave Rhys Redding little chance. After a number of changes at half-time the Diamonds produced a much improved performance in the second period, and might have levelled when awarded a penalty but a rather tame spot kick from the otherwise impressive Pinto was easily saved. The result was confirmed a few minutes from time when Sean Bishop volleyed home an unstoppable shot.
Diamonds Team (first half): Redding, Garner, Knapp, Harris, Ackroyd, Gillingwater, Atkins, Harrison, Fisher, Rogers, Campbell.
Diamonds Team (second half): Redding, Peaks, Glean, Harker, Tulley, Gillingwater, Leeson, Garner, Barron, Pinto, Bates.
