Southern Football League Challenge Cup – Round One
Diamonds take part in the Southern Football League Challenge Cup for the 5th time tonight travelling to Southern Premier Central table toppers Peterborough Sports in first round action.
League Challenge Cup Record
In contrast to our early FA Cup draw experience this is just the second time Diamonds have been drawn away in this competition from 9 ties played. Diamonds have reached the third round twice and been knocked out in the first round twice.
Diamonds lost their very first tie in this competition 4-1 at home to Histon in 2015 but went through two rounds the following year including a memorable 3-2 home win against Kettering Town in front of a 615 crowd. Diamonds went out on penalties that year to Hitchin Town and were beaten by Kempston Rovers in the only previous away tie in the following year’s third round.
The competition was last held in 2019/2020 and Diamonds beat Corby Town in a twice postponed home tie 3-2, and Yaxley 4-0 before going out surprisingly to Needham Market 2-1 in their second unsuccessful trip to the third round.
They had more success in their one entry in the Northern Premier League equivalent reaching the quarter-finals where they were beaten at home by Buxton 3-2 after beating Corby Town, Rugby Town (A) and Spalding United on penalties on the way.
Peterborough Sports FC
The Turbines were founded in 1908 as Brotherhood Engineering Works and became Peterborough Sports in 2001. Successive promotions in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 saw them reach Step 4 and after being transferred to the Southern League they achieved a third promotion in 4 seasons in 2018/2019 to reach Step 3. They were top of the league in the aborted season 2019/2020 and top the league in the current campaign.
Recent Form
We are likely to see mixed sides put out in this competition but Peterborough Sports are top of the league right now with an impressive 8 wins from 9 games which include a 1-0 home win against Diamonds and an incredible 8-4 home win against Stourbridge. They have also reached the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup where they will travel to King’s Lynn Town.
Diamonds have 3 wins from 8 games and sit 14th in the table with a good 2-1 win at home to Hitchin recently making it 7 points from 9 but that was followed by a disappointing 3-1 reverse at Hayden Road last time out.
The Game
The game takes place at the Bee Arena with normal full ticket prices remaining in place for this Southern League Challenge Cup tie.
Adults: £10
Concessions (over 60): £7
Students (with card) & 13-17 year olds: £3
Under 13s: Free (with paying adult)
Parking is advised on site. Details from Peterborough Sports.
Enjoy the game
Paul Judd
