MATCH PREVIEW: Hednesford Town (A) | Southern League Premier Central

 


AFC Rushden & Diamonds return to league action on Saturday (6th) as they travel to Hednesford Town in the Southern League Premier Central.

 

Diamonds enter this game off the back of their elimination from the FA Trophy at Matlock Town but their second half fight back will provide encouragement and belief going into this match.

 

Andy Peaks was pleased with Diamonds’ commitment and desire in Matlock but he would like to see his side stretch the quality of performance across an entire match.

 

“I keep saying I want a complete performance” Peaks revealed.

 

“I think at Stratford the other night was probably the most complete performance we’ve had if I’m being honest – first half and the second half – it was pretty good right through.”

 

“Today [versus Matlock] was not bad. We’ve had a ten-minute spell where we’ve conceded a couple of goals which were avoidable but then I suppose all goals are. Other than that, I think we played well”.

  

Tailor made for travelling?

 

Diamonds are looking for consecutive wins for the first time this season following their success at Stratford Town and if this were to occur, the results would incidentally have both come away from home. 

 

The difficulty of away fixtures is often underestimated. The psychological effects such as travel and atmosphere, not to mention the physical effects of irregular pitch conditions, can occasionally take its toll on the visiting team. However, Diamonds have accustomed to the circumstances this season with a healthy return of eight points from five away games.

 

With a variety of options in defence and an abundance of pace in the attack, Rushden have assembled the most important attributes of a functional away team of whom would ordinarily absorb pressure and exploit space vacated by the opposition.

 

In addition to this, Diamonds have conceded the joint fewest goal in their last five league matches having shipped only five goals in that period.

 

The challenge remains for Diamonds to add more goals at the other end of the pitch but there have been signs of improvement in this department – highlighted by the recent two goals at Stratford – and with the recent acquisition of Ty Deacon from Aylesbury United to add to the forward line, the Diamonds attacking strategy could develop into an interesting dynamic.

  

Last five: LLDWL

 

How Are Hednesford Town Getting On?

 

The Pitmen made a very strong start to the campaign having won their opening three matches and alongside Peterborough Sports, were one of the league’s early pacesetters.

 

Their stutter in form coincided with their shock FA Cup First Qualifying Round exit to Cleethorpes Town but Hednesford stayed resolute and responded well by going unbeaten in the league matches of October.

 

Keenen Meakin-Richards’ side have racked up enough points to remain in the conversation for the play-offs having only been overtaken by Leiston on Tuesday (2nd).

 

Much like Diamonds, the Pitmen will be looking to make amends to their FA Trophy elimination last weekend and will no doubt look to field their strongest possible eleven with the ambition of picking up three points.

 

Last five: LDDWL

 

Previous Meetings

 

These sides, if you were to include both Rushden clubs, boast rich histories and have enjoyed some classic encounters since the birth of AFC R&D.

 

Both of the 2019/20 meetings resulted in 1-1 draws (Keys Park in September 2019, Hayden Road in January 2020). Ben Acquaye’s iconic free kick secured a valuable draw at Keys Park when Hednesford were leading the league at the time but he was sent off in the reverse fixture at Hayden Road where Ryan Dove bundled home a late equaliser.

 

The elusive meeting of the 2020/21 season took place at Hayden Road as the Diamonds emerged with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Lorrell Smith and Luke Fairlamb.

  

Where is the Match Taking Place?

 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will travel to the PRG Stadium at Keys Park where they will meet their Staffordshire opponents.

 

Many local Diamonds supporters may opt to travel across the M6 into Staffordshire but an alternative route can be also found via the A5.

 

Tickets are available for purchase on the gate.

 

PRG Stadium

Keys Park

Hednesford

Cannock

Staffordshire

WS12 2DZ

 

How Can I Follow the Match?

 

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

After the match, be sure to keep an eye out for the post-match interviews on AFCRDTV and the match report on the official club website.

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