Diamonds completed their pre-season campaign with a 4 0 victory over Daventry Town at Hayden Road on Tuesday night to claim the Dale Roberts Memorial Cup.
Manager Andy Peaks included new signing Dean Snedker in goal behind regular back four Ben Garwood, Liam Dolman, Alex Collard and Sam Warburton. Matt Slinn and Jesse Akubuine combined in midfield again with a Trialist. Lorrell Smith led the line with Nathan Tshikuna and Joel Gyasi.
Diamonds flew out of the box playing some attractive football on an excellent pitch and took a 3 goal lead in just 14 minutes. First Alex Collard powered a header home on just 4 minutes. Matt Slinn added a second 3 minutes later surging through the Daventry defence before drilling home. The third came on 14 minutes with Lorrell Smith racing in on goal and seeing his firm effort deflected past the away keeper. Liam Dolman had to leave the field with a knock to be replaced by Ryan Hughes.
Diamonds had played high tempo pressing football in the first-half to gain a 3 0 lead but their tempo and dominance eased off in the second. Daventry had more of the game but were unable to fashion much in the way of chances against a very solid Diamonds defence. Diamonds did add a 4th goal on 88 minutes as Sam Warburton’s cut back was turned home by a defender with Will Jones closing in.
Diamonds impressed particularly in the first half with combinations developing nicely between individual players and different parts of the team. Finishing was strong too and the performance did credit to the Dale Roberts Memorial Cup which Diamonds retained.
Next up is the start of the Southern League season which for Diamonds will be on Tuesday 17th August against Banbury United at Hayden Road.
Match Report: Paul Judd
