Unfortunately, with the support of the Southern League, tonight’s match v Tamworth has been postponed as a precautionary measure following a positive Covid-19 test in the squad. The safety of supporters and players is our primary concern. A new date for the fixture will be advised in due course and we thank you all for your understanding.
Following the trip to Leicestershire, Diamonds return to Hayden Road on Tuesday night (27th October) as they face another high-flying side in Tamworth.
At the time of writing, tickets are still available for this match and can be found here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/afcrd as well as the ability to purchase a matchday programme.
Tamworth
Established in 1933, Tamworth are situated in Staffordshire and are currently managed by Gary Smith and Andrew Danylyszyn.
The club was formed after the previous club, Tamworth Castle, ceased to exist. After successful exploits in the Birmingham Combination and West Midlands Regional League, Tamworth reached the Southern League in 1972 but the Lambs struggled to compete at the time and consequently returned to lower levels. The club returned to the Southern League in 1989 and just a year later, went on to win the FA Vase.
In 2003, Tamworth reached the FA Trophy and won promotion to the Football Conference, now referred to as the National League, in the same season. The club enjoyed a four-year stint in the division before suffering relegation to the Conference North. Tamworth returned to the Conference Premier in 2009 but relegations in 2014 and 2018 saw them return to the Southern League.
Tamworth play their home matches at the CR Mot Centre Community Stadium, affectionately known as The Lamb Ground. The stadium has a current capacity which is just shy of 5,000 and a 3G artificial pitch.
Diamonds vs Tamworth
The two sides have encountered on three occasions since Rushden’s rebirth in 2011. Last season, Tamworth beat the Diamonds 3-0 at The Lamb Ground but due to the campaign’s early curtailment, the fixture at Hayden Road was never played.
Previously, the sides met twice in 2018/19 with both matches finishing all square – 2-2 at Hayden Road and 1-1 at The Lamb Ground.
Current Form
Diamonds have started the season in a mixed run of form which sees them 10th in the Southern League Premier Central table. Andy Peaks’ side have picked up nine points from seven games – registering two wins (versus Hitchin and Hednesford), three draws and two defeats (versus Bromsgrove and Coalville).
The Lambs were firm favourites for promotion prior to last season’s cancellation and have started strongly this campaign. Gary Smith and Andrew Danylyszyn have led their side to third in the Southern League Premier Central table with 12 points from seven games. The Staffordshire side have registered three wins, three draws and just one defeat thus far (1-0, away at Alvechurch)
Last time out, Tamworth recorded a comfortable home performance against Biggleswade Town. Jack Ryan, Ryan Beswick and Dexter Walters scored the goals to ensure a 3-0 win over the Waders.
Can’t Make The Game?
Our Radio Diamonds team will be providing live commentary as the action unfolds – be sure to tune in at mixlr.com/radiodiamondsafc. We will also be providing live updates on our Twitter account which can be found at twitter.com/AFCRD.
Match highlights and interviews will be available after the game at youtube.com/AFCRDTV.
Match Preview: Joseph McCormack
