Diamonds have a home FA Cup tie….who would believe it!! First out of the hat for the first time at Hayden Road has seen Diamonds draw of Newark FC from the Midland Football League Premier Division in FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round action.
Ticket Information and Covid Ground Regulations
The match is all-ticket with a limit of 450 and has very nearly sold out. Latest ticket information can be found here: https://www.afcdiamonds.com/emirates-fa-cup-v-newark-fc-ticket-news/
Covid related ground regulations have been amended slightly and can be found here: https://www.afcdiamonds.com/covid-19-notice-to-supporters-latest-information/
It is really important to follow the one way systems and distancing rules around the ground together with steward instructions particularly on entry. Please also aim to arrive as early as possible to avoid last minute congestion at the turnstiles.
Home FA Cup tie!!
Tonight’s game against Newark FC is incredibly the first home draw for Diamonds since moving to Hayden Road in 2017. That’s 6 consecutive away draws finally ended by tonight’s home draw against very good Step 5 opposition. Diamonds did well to win 3 of those away draws including one in a replay and also lost a home replay to higher ranked Alfreton Town.
The record for home draws prior to moving to Hayden Road wasn’t much better with just 6 home draws in 17 rounds over 4 years at the Dog and Duck in Wellingborough. The first three ever ties were all away but the home draws Diamonds did get included exciting wins against higher ranked Cambridge City and Ashton United and high scoring games against Northampton Sileby Rangers (4-3 win) and Oxhey Jets (5-1 win). Only one game wasn’t won outright – the 1-1 draw with then higher ranked Bedford Town but the replay was won 3-0 with a brilliant performance.
Our Opponents
Our opponents Newark FC have had a tremendous start to the season winning two league games and two FA Cup ties without conceding. They have existed in some form since 1901 and currently play at Step 5 level in Midland Football League Premier Division alongside previous FA competition opponents AFC Wulfrunians and Tividale and Northern League opponents Gresley and Romulus. Previously known as Newark Flowserve they renamed to Newark FC this year and were sitting 4th in table when last season had to be abandoned.
Diamonds Form
Diamonds have had just the one competitive game so far which resulted in a hard fought 1-1 draw against fancied Nuneaton Borough on Saturday in Southern League Premier Central action. Leading at half-time Diamonds were dealt a blow with the sending off of debutant Ross Oulton and had to work really hard to earn a point in front of an excellent crowd with an especially vocal away following.
Pre-season saw 5 wins in 9 games and 28 goals but manager Andy Peaks was rarely able to put out his strongest side and on field combinations. 9 new signings have been made to bolster the squad and after such a strong performance on Saturday the formation and selection will be fascinating to see.
Can’t make the game?
Radio Diamonds were on top form on Saturday and if you can’t make the game they will be broadcasting live commentary again.
