MATCH PREVIEW: Matlock Town (A) | FA Trophy - Third Qualifying Round


AFC Rushden & Diamonds turn their focus to the FA Trophy as they travel to Matlock Town on Saturday (30th) for their Third Qualifying Round tie.

 

Diamonds face their third consecutive away tie in cup competitions this season after trips to Coalville Town and Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup and Southern League Challenge Cup respectively.

 

Andy Peaks is informed of the threats that the Northern Premier League leaders will pose and believes that the recent win over Stratford will boost confidence going into this tie.

 

“It’s a tough, tough game,” admitted Peaks.

 

“We’ve got a good report on them, I’ve had them watched twice and we know they’re going to be a good team.”

 

“We know it will be really tough but the three points today [versus Stratford] will give everyone a bit of confidence, hopefully galvanise everyone and we go there to go and have a real go”.

  

Keep the Opposition Guessing

 

Over the years, Andy Peaks’ sides have become synonymous for their traditional approach to matches but recently the Diamonds manager has experimented with a possession-based style of play. 

 

As opposed to playing long and direct passes, Diamonds have been playing through the thirds, using the full backs and the midfielders, to overload the opposition and have more control over matches.

 

Their recent exploits have seen them pick up four league points from a possible six and puts them in good stead ahead of their trip to Matlock.

 

Through the form of their newly found strategy, Andy Peaks is serving up another option for Diamonds and giving the opposition food for thought.

  

Last five: DLLDW

 

How Are Matlock Town Getting On?

 

If Diamonds continue to play out from the back, they will need to be on form against one of the accomplished clubs in Step 3 football.

 

Matlock made an emphatic start to their Northern Premier League campaign and as a result sit top of the table however their form has somewhat stuttered in recent weeks.

 

Nine points from the last fifteen available is still a healthy return by all means but defeats to South Shields and Atherton Collieries have pegged Matlock back and prevented them from breaking clear at the summit.

 

With Matlock captain Liam Hughes and fellow forward Ross Hannah missing due to suspension, Diamonds may sense an opportunity to upset the odds and knock the Gladiators out of the competition.

 

Last five: WLWLW

  

Where is the Match Taking Place?

 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will travel to the Proctor Cars Stadium in Derbyshire where they will meet Matlock Town.

 

The journey will take us northwards up the M1 before turning off and heading westwards towards Matlock.

 

Proctor Cars Stadium

Causeway Lane

Matlock

Derbyshire

DE4 3AR

 

How Can I Follow the Match?

 

If you are unable to attend the match, I will be live on Radio Diamonds alongside Ollie Mortimer bringing you commentary of the action.

 

After the match, be sure to watch the post-match interviews on AFCRDTV and have a read of the match report on the official club website. 

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