LATE SCENES AT HAYDEN ROAD! Andy Peaks reflects on dramatic win over Canaries | AFC R&D 2-1 Hitchin

AFC Rushden & Diamonds secured their third league win of the season in dramatic style as they came from behind to snatch all three points and break Hitchin hearts.

After a difficult start to the season, Andy Peaks' side have picked up seven points from their last three matches and look to have generated some momentum.

The visitors took the lead in the first half, courtesy of an Alex Brown penalty but Ravi Shamsi and a late Alex Collard header in the second period helped Diamonds complete the turnaround and take the points.

Andy Peaks has great respect for fellow manager Mark Burke whose Canaries side dominated the possession in the first half and the Diamonds boss revealed that part of his game plan was geared around nullifying their play. However, he also felt his side could have performed to a better standard.

"They always play good football - we knew that", Peaks admitted.

"They have lots of possession and our game plan was to try and get the ball back off them but it was equally important when we did get it that we retained it and we didn't do that well enough for me in the first half".

"It didn't surprise me at all [Hitchin's possession] because they always play the same sort of way. I know Burke, the manager, really well. He's a good guy - I like him and they always play football in the right way. They always try and play out, they don't particularly go long although in the first half they mixed it up at times when they couldn't get out and played some good balls down the sides".

"I've watched them once and had some reports on them so I knew what to expect and I knew we'd have to stop them playing a little bit to get something out of the game".

Diamonds also showed glimpses of promise in what developed to be a intriguing half of football. Ravi Shamsi saw a low shot saved after beating two defenders and Will Jones saw two efforts of his own dealt with by Charles Horlock in goal - the most notable of which was a header following a well worked move down the left.

Clear chances came at a premium in the first half but for all of Hitchin's possession build-up, the opening goal arrived from a penalty kick. Ciaren Jones knocked the ball down from a corner and it struck the arm of Will Jones with the referee, Reubyn Ricardo, showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Despite diving the right way, Dean Snedker could not prevent Alex Brown from dispatching the penalty and the visitors took the lead.

The decision divided opinion amongst the crowd but the Diamonds manager acknowledged both perspectives of the situation.

"I thought it was harsh, if I'm being honest", said Peaks.

"I spoke to Burke. He said it was one of those where as an attacking team you like to get it but as the defending team you're even more annoyed to concede it which is how I saw it".

"But, credit to the boys. We said at halftime that we can't change it so let's go and make something happen up the other end and get back in the game".

Diamonds were well aware that they needed to take more initiative and oneness in the second half, they managed to get ahold of possession and started to find their rhythm. Alex Collard flicked the ball on from a free-kick but Will Jones couldn't connect with his acrobatic attempt before Jay Williams tested the goalkeeper with a long-range strike.

The pressure soon paid off as the hosts found their equaliser. Ravi Shamsi combined with his forwards before receiving the ball back and firing into the bottom left corner.

"I think that epitomised with Ravi is all about", said a delighted Peaks.

"He's got a lovely left foot and I'm delighted for him because he puts pressure on himself to score goals as he has at every club he's been at - he loves scoring goals!"

He'll add so much to this group. We've got a bit of everything, we're still learning, we need to be harder to beat at times and get more blocks in but attacking-wise he'll add loads. I thought he was excellent today and he picked balls up in good areas - especially in the second half".

Diamonds were firmly in the ascendency and continued to push for all three points - and the Hitchin resistance was finally broken at the death! Ravi Shamsi delivered a floated free-kick and Alex Collard towered above the defenders to plant his header into the far corner.

Collard has now scored two league goals this season and both have been late on to change the results of matches.

"He'll [Alex] be happy with that", said Peaks with a smile.

"He always does well defensively, he's a big lad and it was a good header. You've always got a chance when he's in the box - long may it continue!"

"I've said before with Alex he's such a good player and such a good person around the club. He needs to add more goals to his game, he admits that and he's got a couple already so I think we're heading in the right direction with him".

"I'm really pleased with him and I'm pleased for the group because that's a tough game! I feel for Hitchin in a way because I genuinely do like Burke and his team. It was an open game and a decent game for fans to watch".