Match Report

Mid-Season Friendly

AFC Rushden & Diamonds travelled to Daventry Town for a mid-season friendly.

Manager Andy Peaks made a number of changes following the FA Trophy defeat against Peterborough Sports with Zach Reynolds and Ross Oulton unavailable, Fernando Bell-Toxtle carrying a thigh strain and Patrick Casey dropping to the bench. Ryan Hughes, Chris Wreh, Matt Slinn and Joel Gyasi lined up in the first 11.

Daventry started well and after 6 minutes Daventry striker Luke Emery stabbed the ball home whilst unmarked at the back post.

Diamonds equalised after 14 minutes with a slick move, Jessie Akubuine passed to Gyasi, who crossed into the box, Wreh back healed the ball into Akubuine’s path and he neatly slotted past the goalkeeper.

Whilst competitive there was a lack of goal-scoring chances for the rest of the half, apart from Richard Walton making a good close range save.

Half Time – Daventry Town 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1

For the second half, Heath replaced Walton and a Trialist replaced Lorraine.

On 50 minutes Heath saved well as he tipped over a long range shot from Daventry.

Further substitutes ensued with Jones and Trialist replacing Hughes and Wreh quickly followed by Casey replacing Akubuine.

As the game was nearing its conclusion Diamonds looked to press their quality home, Lorrell Smith’s long range shot was narrowly wide of the goal. In the 85th minute following a Diamonds corner the ball stopped on the line, it was played back to Jones on about 4 yards and he managed to clear the bar.

On the whole a good work-out for the fitness of both teams as we await to hear when our league season may resume.

Full Time – Daventry Town 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1