Ahead of the Hillier Senior Cup tie against Bugbrooke St. Michaels (7:45pm kick off), the Evening Telegraph’s Jon Dunham writes for afcdiamonds.com
AFC Rushden & Diamonds are well and truly on the charge and, in truth, it’s just great to see.
Back in the summer, I wouldn’t say there was a feeling of uncertainty around Hayden Road, I would say it was more a feeling of intrigue.
Andy Peaks made more changes than normal when it came to his squad and, after a difficult start against some top teams, it was difficult to plot exactly in which direction the season would go.
The manager insisted his squad would improve as the season progressed and, my goodness, has he been right about that!
Good additions have been made at good times and, ever since they won 2-1 at Stratford Town on October 26, they haven’t really looked back.
Diamonds’ recent form has been magnificent and it has put them in a superb position for the last few weeks of the season.
I said after the excellent 2-1 win at Alvechurch last weekend that it would now be something of a disappointment if Diamonds didn’t secure a top-five finish, such is the position they have put themselves in.
And it’s comments and feelings like that which Peaks is trying to keep under control.
From having expectations in check, all of a sudden this run of form, which has all been down to what the management team and the players have done themselves, has raised the stakes.
There are 12 league games to go (these notes have been penned ahead of the game at Rushall Olympic at the weekend).
If Diamonds can find seven or eight wins, that will stand them in good stead and should they do that, they’ll be desperately unlucky if that doesn’t get them in the play-offs.
A big ask? Perhaps. Indeed, it might not even be that many points that are required. Indeed, they might end up needing more.
I am just taking a guess. It’s something to aim for, something to believe in which is just what every football fan wants.
For tonight, however, the focus switches to the NFA Hillier Senior Cup.
It’s a competition I am sure Peaks and his players would love to win again and we already know that the winners of tonight’s game will play Peterborough Sports in the final after Brackley Town withdrew from the competition.
I am sure Bugbrooke will be fired up and determined to put on a good show and Diamonds will certainly have to show the full and proper respect if they are to seal a passage through.
You can keep up to date with all the news from Hayden Road every Thursday in the Northamptonshire Telegraph and on our website www.northantstelegraph.co.uk. You can also follow me for all the latest on Twitter @JonDunhamNT
