MATCH PREVIEW: Northampton ON Chenecks (A) | NFA Hillier Cup

 

 


NFA Hillier Cup football returns as Diamonds head to Chenecks.


Following the league draw with Needham Market, attention now turns to more local matters for AFC Rushden & Diamonds as they travel across the county to face Northampton ON Chenecks. The NFA Hillier Cup was canned last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential strains on an already packed schedule, but the competition returns this year as local clubs come together to battle for silverware.


Andy Peaks’ side enter the Hillier Cup at the First-Round stage but speaking to Jon Dunham for the Northamptonshire Telegraph, the Diamonds manager revealed that he will “mix things up a bit” as the Hillier Cup “isn’t really a priority”.

 

Are the Diamonds starting to hit some form?

 

There can be no doubt that four points from the last two matches is a satisfactory return – especially when you consider the amount of travelling with both games coming away from home. After Tuesday’s match, Alex Collard told AFCRDTV that “winning games is a habit” and the Diamonds will certainly feel that Wednesday is an opportunity to generate some momentum and kickstart a run of winning matches, albeit against lower ranked opposition.

 

Last five: LLLWD

 

How are Northampton ON Chenecks getting on?

 

In truth, they’re struggling immensely. The Chens compete in the UCL Premier Division South (Step 5) and have lost all of their opening eight league matches, they have failed to score in their last six matches and suffer a goal difference of -29. The Northampton side also languish in 20th position in the table – second from bottom just above Biggleswade United.

 

The Hillier Cup could present a welcome break from league play but their coaching staff will be all too aware of the size of the task they face on Wednesday.

 

Last five: LLLLL

 

Previous Meetings

 

The two clubs have met before and go as far back as AFC R&D’s first season in the UCL Division One. The Diamonds won both league matches but, it must be said, they were two very competitive meetings. The first of which ended 2-0 to Diamonds with Sean McBride starring the show with the reverse fixture ending in a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Alex Deakin and Chris Hope.

 

They have also history in the Hillier Cup when the sides met in the 2018/19 quarterfinals. Ben Diamond struck the only goal of the game as Andy Peaks’ side were victorious at Hayden Road.

 

Where is the match taking place?

 

Northampton ON Chenecks play their home games at The Old Northamptonians Sports Ground. Situated just off the A45, the venue itself is dominated by the cricket ground but there is a car park available which can be found on the way to the pitch. The match is scheduled for a 19:45 kick-off.

 

The Old Northamptonians Sports Ground

Billing Road

Northampton

NN1 5RX

 

How can I follow the match?

 

If you are unable to attend the game, I will be live on Radio Diamonds providing radio commentary as the action unfolds. As ever, the official club Twitter account (@AFCRD) will provide key updates as they come in.

 

Be sure to keep an eye out for post-match interviews on AFCRDTV and a match report after the game, written by Paul Judd.

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