A spirited young Diamonds side were beaten 3-0 by impressive Tamworth on Tuesday night.
The home side had plenty of early possession forcing Niall Cooper into an early tip over of a fierce shot and putting an effort wide of the Diamonds keeper when clean through. But Diamonds were well in the game and created chances themselves as a Morgan Roberts crossshot nearly found Jack Bowen, Ryan Dove drove an effort just wide from the edge of the box and in their best chance Dove’s close range effort was just saved. It proved to be pivotal as the home side then scored twice before half-time. Gough hit a low shot past Niall Cooper at the near post and then in a cruel twist for Diamonds a shot going well wide was deflected into the net.
Diamonds improved in the second half with Ben Acquaye starting to find space. He had a great shot saved by the home keeper after a good run and then provided a good cross for Jack Bowen to head firmly but straight at the home keeper. Morgan Roberts then got a great cross in for Bowen again but he was ruled offside this time. Tamworth were always a threat though with their quality and experience and duly got a third when the impressive Liam Dolman was harshly penalised in the penalty area and the penalty duly converted. Diamonds responded well again and Ben Acquaye had the ball in the net after another good move but it was ruled out for offside.
A second 3-0 defeat in 4 days was a disappointing result but the performance at one of the hardest places to play especially on a Tuesday night was encouraging especially given the youth of the team. It doesn’t get any easier with next-up a trip to high-flying Rushall Olympic but there are encouraging signs longer term for this side.
Man of the Match: Nathan Hicks
Attendance: 496
Match Report by Paul Judd
Tamworth FC | AFC Rushden & Diamonds |
1. Jasbir Singh 2. Rashaan Frances 3. Jordan Gough 4. Ryan Beswick (C) 5. Joseph Magunda 6. Lathaniel Rowe-Turner 7. Ahmed obeng 8. Aaron Forde 9. Tyrell Waite 10. Bilal Yafai 11. Gregory Kaziboni Subs: 12. Christopher Cox (for Obeng) 14. Rhys Hoeness (for Kaziboni 67) 15. James Fry 16. Henri Wilder (for Gough 67) 17. Daniel Creaney
| 17. Niall Cooper 2. Nathan Hicks 3. Ryan Hughes 4. Mat Slinn 5. Liam Dolman (C) 6. Alex Collard 7. Ben Acquaye 8. Ben Farrell 9. Jack Bowen 10. Ryan Dove 11. Morgan Roberts Subs: 12. Patrick Casey 13. Ben Heath 14. Jesse Aqubuine 15. Nat Gosnal-Tyler (for Dove 80) 16. Tom Lorraine |
Goals: Gough (34), Waite (43), Beswick (76) | Goals: |
Yellow Card: Rowe-Turner | Yellow Cards: |
Red Cards: | Red Cards: |
Referee: Daniel Pattison Assistants: Liam Teraud, Charles Humphrys |
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