MATCH PREVIEW: Barwell (H) | Southern League Premier Central


AFC Rushden & Diamonds will look to respond to the disappointment of the Alvechurch defeat as they meet Barwell on Tuesday (19th) at Hayden Road.
 
Andy Peaks’ side are heading into the third of four consecutive home games and considering their recent results, there seems to be a greater significance on taking three points from this midweek match.
 
The Diamonds boss insisted that every game is a big game in this division and that every point must be earned.
 
“You look at the run of home games we’ve got and we need to pick points up,” said Peaks.
 
“We got a point the other night [versus Rushall] which is great if you win today [versus Alvechurch]. We haven’t won today so we need to go and win on Tuesday against Barwell. Is that going to be easy? No it’s not.”
 
Time to bounce back
 
Diamonds are currently enduring a difficult period of results and are winless in their last five matches. Despite their stutter in form, it hasn’t drastically affected their league position. With one of their recent defeats coming in the League Cup, Rushden remain in a mid-table position in the league.
 
The challenge remains for Andy Peaks and the coaches to find and maintain consistency across 90 minutes.
 
In some matches, Diamonds have been hard to beat but at the expense of goals up the other end whereas in other games, they have shown glimpses of attacking fluidity but left themselves exposed at the back.
 
By attacking with more purpose and pressure, Diamonds could ease the requirements on their defenders but likewise by retaining the ball better when winning it back, they can provide the platform for their forwards to deliver with more potency.
 
Last five: LLDDL

How are Barwell getting on?

Barwell have played all of their matches away from home due to ongoing groundworks at the UK Flooring Direct Stadium. The Leicestershire side have registered ten points from twelve matches on their tour of the central region.
 
Guy Hadland’s side have picked up just two league wins so far this season and this is an issue which stems from their defensive woes. Barwell have shipped 26 league goals this season which is only worsened by three other clubs.
 
Last five: LWDLL

Previous Meetings

Rushden have had many encounters with Barwell since the birth of the phoenix club. The sides have met on seven occasions across two different competitions.

The first meetings stretch as far back as 2015 as Diamonds were drawn against Barwell in the FA Cup to produce one of the most iconic AFC R&D matches. A Liam Dolman brace – capped off by his late equaliser sent the away end into ruptures and his side back to Hayden Road for a 4th Qualifying Round replay.

Unfortunately, the Canaries came out on top in the replay and progressed to the First Round Proper by a 0-1 score line.

The clubs have clashed five times in Southern League Premier Central action with Diamonds unbeaten in all fixtures. Andy Peaks’ side did the double over Barwell in the 2019/20 season (0-2 at Kirkby Road, 3-1 at Hayden Road) and there have been three draws – all by 1-1 score lines.

Where is the match taking place?

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will take on Barwell under the lights at Hayden Road. The exclusive ticket offer for the upcoming home matches is still standing – if you buy two tickets for the matches versus Barwell or Biggleswade Town, you will receive a third ticket absolutely free!

More information about the exclusive ticket deal is available on the official club website.
 
Hayden Road Sports Ground
Hayden Road
Rushden
Northamptonshire
NN10 0HX
 
How can I follow the match?

If you are unable to attend Tuesday’s match, I will be there alongside Paul Judd for Radio Diamonds to bring you live commentary of the action.

After the match, keep an eye out for post-match interviews on AFCRDTV and a match report. 

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