One more pre-season fixture announced

[AndyKirkup]

Bedford Town at Home - Saturday 3rd August, 3pm

http://www.afcdiamonds.com/201314-pre-season-games

[The Godfather]

I'm hoping Spurs will play us again? ;)

[Newcastleb]

Be worn out before the season begins at this rate.Frendlies and training,if its the same group of players what's to be learnt by all these games ?.

[Pigman]

Be worn out before the season begins at this rate.Frendlies and training,if its the same group of players what's to be learnt by all these games ?.

I think the management team can be trusted to prepare the boys well for the season ahead, they've done quite well so far haven't they? I think these are a good mixture of games and will test us, personally the first pre-season game can't come quick enough !

[TheIncognitoKid]

I'm hoping players like Jake Reynolds will feature in some of these matches to give him first team experience and playing alongside a players like Morgan, Taylor and Newman

[BartonRaz]

Be worn out before the season begins at this rate.Frendlies and training,if its the same group of players what's to be learnt by all these games ?.

Perfectly normal amount of friendlies. Wouldn't be surprised to see them add a couple more either. The more pre-season games the better, you learn more from a game than you do from a training session and the players need to be prepared and up to speed ready for the start of the season.

I remember going to a Diamonds game at Bedford in a pre-season game 10 years ago this summer. Notable for Rhino playing up-front for some reason. Think it ended 0-0.

[bozzer]

Be worn out before the season begins at this rate.Frendlies and training,if its the same group of players what's to be learnt by all these games ?.

Perfectly normal amount of friendlies. Wouldn't be surprised to see them add a couple more either. The more pre-season games the better, you learn more from a game than you do from a training session and the players need to be prepared and up to speed ready for the start of the season.

I remember going to a Diamonds game at Bedford in a pre-season game 10 years ago this summer. Notable for Rhino playing up-front for some reason. Think it ended 0-0.

I remember going and seeing Rodney Jack and David Bell playing in one at their place as well

[Formic]

Be worn out before the season begins at this rate.Frendlies and training,if its the same group of players what's to be learnt by all these games ?.

Perfectly normal amount of friendlies. Wouldn't be surprised to see them add a couple more either. The more pre-season games the better, you learn more from a game than you do from a training session and the players need to be prepared and up to speed ready for the start of the season.

I remember going to a Diamonds game at Bedford in a pre-season game 10 years ago this summer. Notable for Rhino playing up-front for some reason. Think it ended 0-0.

I remember going and seeing Rodney Jack and David Bell playing in one at their place as well

I think that was the same game. I seem to remember Rhino was out of favour by that point, and Talbot seemed to be intent on ousting him one way or another.

The report was thus

"Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Richie Hanlon has suffered a twisted knee in the club's opening pre-season friendly against Bedford Town.

The former Peterborough midfielder lasted only six minutes into the second half when he went into a challenge with an opponent, falling awkwardly to the ground.

Hanlon twisted the same knee that kept him out of the clubs entire championship season. Diamonds boss Brian Talbot will be keen to discover on Monday if the injury is serious.

Speaking moments after the clubs 0-0 draw at Meadow Lane, Brian said: "Ritchie has twisted his knee. He was a bit shocked and it's a concern for us.

"Ritchie is desperate to try and impress and get back into the team but maybe he shouldn't have gone in for the tackle. We will have to wait until Monday and see how the injury settles."

Brian started the first-half with trialists Luke Dimech and Paul Brown whilst Rodney Jack began the game in attack, alongside fans favourite Duane Darby.

It was the Ryman League Premier Division side that started the match brighter and had a number of worthwhile opportunities in the opening stages.

Jack, the clubs new signing from Crewe Alexandra, showed glimmers of what second division defenders can expect from him next season and his pace midway through the first-half caused problems for the Bedford defence.

The St Vincent international striker was unfortunate not to open the scoring on 18 minutes when he fired wide of the goal following a clever run.

Dimech also had a good opportunity on 39 minutes but blasted over the bar after making a good surging run.

Diamonds should of gone ahead on 43 minutes but striker Duane Darby somehow squandered an excellent opportunity within the six-yard box.

Brian fielded an entire different side in the second half and Robert Duffy, Mark Peters and John Dempster all had shots saved by Bedford goalkeeper Ian Brown.

Brian added: "I think the heat made it a bit hot for football but we had some good opportunities and maybe we should have won the game. I will look to the Isle of Man tournament when we take things seriously but it was a good exercise."

Dimech will be invited to stay on longer at Nene Park to enable Brian to take a further look at the central midfielder.
DIAMONDS (FIRST HALF): Turley, Sambrook, Underwood, Dimech, Browne, Hunter, Story, Burgess, Jack, Darby, Talbot.

DIAMONDS (SECOND HALF): Gahan (Daniels 89), Bignot, DJ Bell (Kelly 89), Hanlon (Okuonghae 51), Edwards, Dempster, Hall, Bell, Duffy, Gray, Peters (Taylor 89)"

[SouthRushdenJFC]

I'm looking forward to this one. A lovely summer day, a good crowd and hopefully a chance to see Starms and Peaksys idea of what the team will be for the start of the season the following week.

I used to go an watch the previous incarnation of Bedford a lot as a boy with my Dad and Uncle. My Uncle's not around any more but I might see if I can drag my dad along for this one.

It seems like Bedford are going through a few changes though

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordto ... 43861.html

[UttoDiamond]

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordto ... 43861.html

I see someone's got our name wrong again...aaaaaarrrrrgghhhhh... It's AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Would people get away with still calling AFC Wimbledon just "Wimbledon". No.