MATCH PREVIEW: Royston Town (H) | Southern League Premier Central


 

It is a quick turnaround for AFC Rushden & Diamonds - very much in the spirit of Saturday’s second half performance - as they face Royston Town on Tuesday (28th) to close out the month of September.

 

The Diamonds make their second Hayden Road outing in a matter of days as they look to build on their recent upturn of form in the Southern League Premier Central.

 

Andy Peaks is aware of the threat that Royston will pose but believes the form of his own team will carry them into the game in good stead.

 

“It’ll be a slightly different challenge to what today [Saturday] was”, said Peaks.

 

“Royston will be a big test. They’re a good team, they’ve been good over the last few years, we know loads of their players and we expect a really good challenge”.

 

“It’s one we’ll be ready for and one that we can embrace. Taking seven points out of the last nine is a good run of form. We’ve picked up quite nicely, we’ve added to the squad and the boys are gelling okay”.

 

Time to make a statement?

 

Rushden are unbeaten in their last three league matches, four in all competitions and for the first time this season they sit inside the top half of the table. This newly discovered momentum could prove to be crucial as Andy Peaks’ side head into the remainder of the Autumn.

 

The Diamonds are only three points away from those occupying the play-off places which is testament to their graft and recovery they have made from their early season struggles.

 

In Coalville and Nuneaton, Diamonds have beaten a contender for promotion and a historically big outfit. The Hitchin match asked a different question of Diamonds - it was a test of character which they passed with flying colours.

 

If they can continue to rack up victories at home and make Hayden Road a fortress, not many teams will be looking forward to their trips to NN10.

 

Last five: LWDWW


How are Royston Town getting on?

 

Like many other clubs, the COVID-19 pandemic heavily disrupted Royston’s progression who in the 2019/20 season picked up more points than any other team in the 20 games leading up to lockdown. Their strong form saw them crashing the play-offs, challenging for the league and they potentially would have been sailing up to Step 2. 

 

As some may have expected, their form has somewhat tailed off but they have retained enough quality to remain in touch with the play-off places.

 

The Crows are currently ninth in the league table and sit above Diamonds by just one point. They have registered three wins, two draws and two defeats from seven league matches. 

 

Last five: WLDWW


Previous Meetings


These two clubs have enjoyed some competitive battles down the years. Royston have had the upper hand in terms of accumulating wins but Diamonds won the most important and iconic of those fixtures by winning the Division One Central Play-off Semi-final in April 2016. Jack Bowen and Liam Dolman scored the goals as Diamonds held on to eliminate the Hertfordshire side.

The three league matches at this level have resulted in two draws (0-0 in 2018/19, 1-1 in 2019/20) and a Royston win (1-2 in 2018/19).

Where is the match taking place?

AFC Rushden & Diamonds continue at Hayden Road on Tuesday as they look to secure consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Ticketing arrangements are available on the official club website. The match will kick off at 19:45.

Hayden Road Sports Ground

Hayden Road

Rushden

Northamptonshire

NN10 OHX

How can I follow the match?

If you are unable to attend Saturday's game, I will be there alongside the Radio Diamonds team to bring you live commentary from the match. You can find live text updates on the official club Twitter feed (@AFCRD).

Be sure to watch the post-match interviews on AFCRDTV and read the match report after the game.

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