An AFC Rushden & Diamonds XI lost 4-3 to Lutterworth Athletic at Hall Park on Wednesday evening. The Diamonds side was made up with a broad mix of U18, U21 and first team squad members. First teamers Charlie Butt, Brad Harris, Tommy Berwick and Tom Lorraine were joined by two ex-Diamonds U18 players Alex Vitue and Harry May, who had since progressed to a senior level with other clubs. Several of the younger players were part of the successful Academy U18 side last season, and had also appeared at U21 level during that campaign.
The game was played on the “second pitch” at Hall Park, with an early start to allow for the fact that pitch was not floodlit.
The Diamonds were two goals behind at the break and conceded a third shortly afterwards, before Tom Lorraine and Tommy Berwick were able to link up to create goals for each other. The home side quickly scored a fourth goal which seemed to have settled the game. However, there was late drama when the Diamonds won a penalty which Tom Lorraine took, but saw his effort saved, only for another kick to be awarded for a foul on Lorraine as he chased the parried kick. Tommy Berwick scored from the spot.
Team: Alex Vitue, Brad Harris, Joe Ackroyd, Matthew Kumar, Harry May, Ryan Kirk, Tom Lorraine, Charlie Butt, Lewis Fisher, Dan Campbell, Tommy Berwick. Subs: Sam Leeson, Luke Garner
