AFC Rushden & Diamonds striker Russ Dunkley has been voted the Budweiser Player of the Round for the FA Cup with Budweiser First Preliminary Round. Russ won 61% of the votes in a Fans Poll after a shortlist of candidates had been announced shortly after the fixtures were completed.
Russ scored in both games against Cockfosters in the First Preliminary Round. In the initial tie he scored the vital goal that secured the replay at the Dog & Duck, and then in the replay the following Tuesday evening he became the Diamonds record goalscorer for a single game when he scored 5 goals in the 8-0 victory (almost uniquely all with his head). He also played a part in several of the other goals scored in the tie, although he was on the pitch for less than an hour in the replay.
Russ will collect a commemorative trophy and an invitation to the FA Cup Final – more details are on the FA Website here.
Russ was competing with players from Hendon and Scarborough Athletic for the award. He was nominated by FA Historian David Barber.
Pictures courtesy of Malcolm Swinden Photography (click on the link to access the Diamonds Photo Gallery for more images from this game and ecommerce options). Copyright Mal Swinden ©2013
