The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Official Match Preview

http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden- ... -21st-july


The full programme of Pre-Season games is available to download as a poster - see below.


Get your copy to share here ->http://www.afcdiamonds.com/pre-season-f ... ist-poster

Tough game but really looking forward to it

Nabil Shariff on the bench. He'd be an excellent addition. He's been playing as a wide player for Corby and Stamford rather than the out and out striker he was at Diamonds previously.

1-0 diamonds after 80 seconds, Herbert smashes in from close range. Sounds like a good start.

Was really pleased to see Shariff on the bench. Haven't seen him since those last few games at rdfc he played in, but I remember him scoring a pretty impressive goal in what was I think our penultimate game at NP, he looked very promising at that point. How did he do tonight?

For those that aren't aware, the game was abandoned 5 minutes early after a mass brawl. A Biggleswade player absolutely lost his head after a late challenge from Dan Quigley and a minute-long melee ensued, the like of which I'm not sure I've seen live before.

Anyway, we played really well and were comfortably the better side which bodes well against Step 3 opposition. Dolman and Gordon were excellent at the back, I'd be disappointed if we don't tie up a deal for the former. Herbert looked sharp, Bunting was pulling the strings and the different formation (either 4-5-1 or 4-3-3) seemed to work well. Encouraging signs.

Good performance, impressed with the 'new lads'. Hopeful that Spriggs will sign but travel may be an issue as he lives in Cambridge. Unfortunate unsavoury ending when the Waders big lad completely lost it at the end.

Match reports and photos here:-

http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden- ... ade-town-0

Couldn't he just get a lift in with Mr Chairman?!!

The Kit Man for Biggleswade (who was doing his first job for the Club last night) was the Kit Man for Stevenage Borough and was reminicing with me before the game about the old Rushden and Diamonds and the many happy times he spent at Nene Park when we and Stevenage were rivals. He still keeps in touch with my son, Gareth who took over as Kit Man when Mark Stringer left R & D. It is so nice to see the friendships which were forged at R&D still lasting. Gareth is also still in touch with the old Kit Man who was at MK Dons but who no longer works there. As we all know there are many friendships that were forged at R&D which remain today. As they say you can always find a friend in football. Really looking forward to Wealdstone on Saturday and wouldn't it be great if Corkers and Jeffers played for them against us. Many happy memories of both players.

Noticed Ollie Thorne was on the Biggleswade squad list in the program, but pretty sure he didn't feature last night (if it is the same one)