Andy Peaks reflects on a painful late defeat | AFC R&D 0-1 Barwell

 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds suffered late heartbreak on Tuesday (19th) as they fell to a narrow defeat against Barwell at Hayden Road.

 

In a match where Diamonds dominated proceedings and created better chances, the Barwell backline stood firm and ultimately went on to steal the three points with Harry Bower’s goal on the brink of stoppage time.

 

Andy Peaks was largely satisfied with the performance from his side and feels that Diamonds were hit by the cruel side of football.

 

“I’m absolutely gutted,” said Peaks.

 

“I don’t think there was a lot wrong from the first minute to the last – apart from not putting the ball in the net! We keep saying that if you don’t score goals [or] you don’t take chances when you’re on top, you don’t win games of football.”

 

There were two changes to the side from the Alvechurch defeat with Sam Warburton coming in for the injured Liam Dolman and Fernando Bell-Toxtle replacing the departed Jay Williams.

 

Despite the changes, the Diamonds manager was content with what he said from his team in the first period.

 

“I thought in the first half we had a lot of possession but I didn’t think there was a lot of quality if I’m being honest.”

 

“It was a battle, conditions were obviously not ideal, I felt we were on top but I was looking for a lot more in the second half because I don’t think we’ve worked the keeper in the first half which is what it’s all about.”

 

Diamonds started to convert their possession into chances as they generated some momentum the second period. Nathan Tshikuna and Will Jones both saw low efforts expertly stopped by Max Bramley.

 

“We made some changes which I think worked,” Peaks revealed.

 

“We messed around with formations and tried different people. Ravi [Shamsi] moved out wide to try and get more on the ball and got Ben [Diamond] more central. We tried loads of different methods which all worked without the end product of a goal”.

 

“Unfortunately, in football matches, it’s decided by what happens in the penalty box and who scores the most goals and we haven’t scored a goal again tonight – that’s ultimately what decides games of football.”

 

Barwell offered little threat during the course of the ninety minutes but they were clinical when their chance came. Harry Bower broke through on goal in the closing minutes to lob Dean Snedker and break Diamonds hearts.

 

The goal, having arrived so late, gave Diamonds little time to respond as Barwell survived stoppage time to emerge with the three points.

 

“It’s another wound,” admitted Peaks.

 

“On Saturday [versus Alvechurch], we were in the ascendency and we got caught and we have to learn if we can’t win a game to not lose it. I kept shouting at the end to keep it tight, that we don’t give anything away and they’ve got one ball in behind and scored out of absolutely nothing.”

 

“I think it’s the only shot they’ve had all game, they’ve had very few corners whereas we’ve had quite a few. If you look at the stats, we’ve absolutely dominated the game but haven’t killed a team off and we’ve paid the price.”