Diamonds take on Needham Market on Tuesday night as they look to bounce back from the close-fought defeat to table toppers Banbury United on Saturday afternoon.
An excited crowd of over 1,000 packed into Banbury’s ground to see Diamonds match their high flying opponents early on. The turning point was probably the missed penalty that would have given them a deserved first half lead. Banbury scored early in the second half and held Diamonds off before clinching the points with a late 2nd.
The performance against high-flyers Banbury shows how far Diamonds have come since early/mid season when form was so erratic. The 2-2 draw at today’s opponents in September came in a good run that included wins at Nuneaton and at home to Hitchin.
Unfortunately that run was followed by no wins in 6 which included 3 defeats all at home. By contrast that spell was followed by 8 wins in 11 as Andy Peaks’ side really found their feet.
Needham come into the game off the back of a dramatic, exciting win in FA Trophy action on penalties at Yeovil Town. That followed an unbeaten 4 game run that saw 10 goals scored including 3-2 wins at Alvechurch and Barwell and a 3-3 draw at home to Hednesford and a 1-1 draw with Peterborough Sports.
The Market Men are sitting in 13th position but with three games in hand on Diamonds that, if won, would see them just a point behind.
It’s going to be an excellent contest between two confident in-form sides and this may be commentator’s curse but should be full of goals.
Don’t forget to get your ticket in advance to help the turnstile team and if you can’t make the game tune in to Radio Diamonds like over 70 fans did on Saturday afternoon.
Enjoy the game.
Paul Judd
Media Team
