Match Report

Pre-Season Friendly

Diamonds drew their latest pre-season friendly 1 – 1 at Barton Rovers on Tuesday night.

Manager Andy Peaks picked a Trialist in goal behind an experienced back four of Ben Garwood, Liam Dolman, Alex Collard and Sam Warburton. Matt Slinn returned in midfield alongside Nathan Tshikuna, Dean Dummett and a trialist. Lorrell Smith and Will Jones led the line.

It was a very competitive game more akin to a league match than a friendly which pleased Manager Andy Peaks. Barton largely dominated first half possession pressing Diamonds really well but solid Diamonds defence limited any real chances. In fact Diamonds had the best chance in the early stages with a Dean Dummett header.

Barton were strong again in the second half and took the lead when pouncing on a rare defensive error. A ball through the box was missed by the Diamonds defence and turned into the empty net by the Barton striker. Diamonds responded with a much improved performance and duly equalised through an excellent free-kick fired into the top corner by a Trialist.

This was a really competitive contest and Manager Andy Peaks felt he learned more about his side than in other games in pre-season.

Next up for Diamonds a visit to Thame United on Saturday afternoon.

Match Report: Paul Judd