Match Report

Diamonds were narrowly defeated by league rivals Peterborough Sports in the 2022 NFA Hillier Senior Cup Final at Sixfields.

Chances were pretty few and far between in the first half, with Sports’ Ryan Fryatt coming closest when his header beat Dean Snedker but came back off the bar. AJ George was a big threat for Rushden as he had a couple of efforts held, and fellow winger Lewis Johnson saw a 30-yard strike fly just over.

Diamonds started the second period brightly as Johnson had a deflected shot saved, but Sports soon won a penalty after Liam Dolman brought down the advancing Kyujon Marsh-Brown. However, Dan Lawlor struck his penalty wide, and Rushden almost made them pay when substitute Nathan Tshikuna’s vicious free-kick was tipped onto the post. He then played in Johnson who rounded the keeper, but his goalbound attempt was cleared away, Sports took the lead 12 minutes from time when Snedker made a brilliant save, only for ex-Diamonds man Jordan MacLeod to sweep home the rebound. Paddy Casey and Will Jones came close to forcing a penalty shoot-out but were denied by a goal-saving block and near-post save, and Sports wrapped up their success in stoppage time as Dion Sembie-Ferris strode away to slot home a low effort.

Full match report to follow

Preview

NFA Hillier Senior Cup Final

It has been confirmed that entrance prices for Tuesday night’s Northamptonshire FA Hillier Senior Cup Final are:

• Adults: £12
• U16: £6