Rushden & Diamonds 2 Welling United 0

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

30th August 1999 – Nene Park (Attendance 2805)

Rushden Team : Turley, Brady, Bradshaw, Peters, Warburton, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Collins, Sale, Underwood. Substitutes West, Wooding, Smith, Mills, Town.

Diamonds Scorers: McElhatton (2).

Webmasters MoM: Michael McElhatton

Diamond’s opponents today, Welling United, came to Nene Park on the back of a great win last Saturday against Hereford United, and would prove to be awkward opposition this afternoon. Brian Talbot had the luxury of being able to retain an un-changed team from that which had won so convincingly away at Sutton United last Saturday.

The first half was at times a bit of a dour affair, particularly the first 30 minutes. Caused in the main by the referee being a bit whistle happy, and not letting the game flow. Diamonds had quite a few chances to take the lead though in the first half, in fact there were three good chances that fell to Mark Sale, on 16 minutes, 24 minutes and 32 minutes, that were either saved by the keeper or mishit. The chance on 16 minutes saw a header from Mark Sale from close range, saved by the keeper. On twenty four minutes Cooper played a great ball into the box, and Sale found himself one on one with the keeper. He rounded the keeper and touched a shot goalwards, but it lacked enough power and the ball was cleared off the line. On 32 minutes Sale had a header saved well by the keeper. Diamonds started to play some great football, Underwood in particular putting in some great crosses into the box, but the Welling defence, aided by a lot of luck stayed firm and resolute. On 35 minutes Jon Brady found himself free on the far right of the box but he hurried his shot, shooting wide of the post, claiming a slight bobble just as he was about to shoot. On 37 minutes Bradshaw took a free kick, the ball fell nicely into the box for Cooper, whose shot was not hit too firmly but slipped just the wrong side of the upright. Sale had a further chance late on in the half as Cooper took another corner, the ball was flicked on by Peters to Sale who knocked the ball high and wide. The last few minutes of the half were frantic. Diamonds were unlucky when a penalty claim was rejected – Collins brought down in the area. Within seconds a long ball upfront found Hanlon for Welling bearing down on Turley with Bradshaw trailing in his wake, but somehow Bradshaw managed to get in a great block tackle and the ball span away and out of danger. The cheers from the supporters singing ” you’ll never beat the Bradshaw” had hardly died down when Diamonds again put the Welling defence in all sorts of bother, the ball bobbing around like a pinball machine, but just would not enter the net as each rebound was hit by a Diamonds player and blocked by a Welling defender. So half time came, Diamonds being held despite Turley not having a shot to save all of the first half.

The second half started similar to the first, a lot of petty fouls and a lot of referee’s whistle, interrupting the flow of the game. On 54 minutes Collins found himself clear on the right, but found no support and the chance came to nothing. On 57 minutes Sale made a great knock down to Collins. He slid the ball across to Underwood free on the left hand side of the box but his shot was hit hard but unfortunately straight at the keeper. On 68 minutes Cooper took a corner, the defender cleared the ball 25 yards out to Brady, lurking dangerously. His quick shot, hit like a bullet, was heading goalwards only for the keeper to make a great save pushing the ball over the bar. It was now time for McElhatton to stamp his authority on the game. He had threatened to get on the score sheet again on a few occasions, making marauding runs forward from midfield, and on 76 minutes after a goalmouth scramble he slid the ball past the keeper and into the net for Diamonds first. It was Macca who popped up again on 80 minutes, slotting a header, down and wide of the despairing keeper for Diamonds second. Diamonds were well in control and the game was won. A header on 85 minutes from Sale ended up just wide of the goal. Mark Sale was then replaced by Colin West and Gary Mills came on for Mark Cooper. Paul Underwood was sent racing clear on 90 minutes but was just beaten to the ball by the advancing keeper. In the final seconds of the game Colin West had a goal disallowed after it was adjudged that he pushed the defender in the back.

So another three points for Diamonds who now find themselves sitting in second place in the table. This was a hard working, never give up, Diamonds performance that we saw today. There was never any panic that the goal would not come, everyone knew their job and just kept plugging away. Billy Turley had little to do, the back three looked solid – Rhino and Razor were never beaten in the air, and Brads was magnificent, distributing some great ball to the flanks. The midfield is just awesome, Macca is a human dynamo, Butts challenged and won everything and Coops has a never say die attitude that will put the wind up any other opposing midfield player. Upfront Darren and Sale worked really hard in the heat. Sale sometimes looks clumsy, maybe should have done better with a few shots, but he causes defences so many problems that Darren Collins will always find space from the knock downs. While Macca and Coops also continue to push forward I can see goals coming this season from all sorts of people. We ground out a result today against a team who would have been overjoyed at a draw – their defence was packed. But it was broken down by playing good football, and this Diamonds team have the guile and the commitment to grind out many more of these hard fought games. Its interesting as well that we had fourteen shots to three from Welling, so maybe the scoreline flatters Welling a little!

Sutton United 0 Rushden & Diamonds 4

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

28th August 1999 – Gander Green Lane (Attendance 1090)

Rushden Team : Turley, Brady, Bradshaw, Peters, Warburton, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Collins, Sale, Underwood. Substitutes West, Wooding, Smith, Mills, Town.

Diamonds Scorers: Collins (2), McElhatton, West

Webmasters MoM: Darren Collins

This turned out to be a very comfortable victory for Diamonds, and their first three away points of the season. Brian Talbot decided to drop David Town to the bench and bring in Darren Collins and Mark Sale as the strike force, and it certainly paid off.

In the first five minutes of the game Diamonds showed their intention, lofting high balls upfront to Sale to knock down for Collins, and twice it nearly came off as Collins streaked through only to be given offside. For a short spell Sutton tried to push forward and actually pegged Diamonds back in their own half, but this pressure was short lived and the centre backs and midfield started to control the game, and from here on Diamonds never looked back. Diamonds nearly took the lead on 16 minutes as a free kick from Bradshaw was headed on by Sale, headed on again by Collins to McElhatton racing in to the box. He stretched to get in a shot from about three yards but the ball lifted and cleared the crossbar. On 19 minutes McElhatton tried and overhead kick , but this was easily saved by the keeper. Diamonds took the lead on 20 minutes when a free kick taken by Warburton was headed down by Sale, the ball fell loose to Collins who cleanly tucked the ball side foot into the net.

McElhatton nearly increased the lead on 24 minutes when his shot was saved by the keeper and only one minute later Mark Cooper had a shot fly just wide of the keepers left hand post. On 27 minutes Sale was through but the out rushing keeper managed to turn his shot away for a corner. It was 37 minutes before Sutton had their first shot at goal which indicates Diamonds domination of the half. Cooper was booked on 39 minutes for diving in the box, and from a resultant corner Warburton rose unchallenged in the box only to head over the bar. Then on 41 minutes Diamonds increased their lead – A free kick was about to be taken over on the near touchline by Brady. Up raced Talbot, issued some instructions, Brady passed short to McElhatton, took the return and whipped in a delightful cross right on to the head of Collins and Diamonds were two up and cruising.

The second half continued in pretty much the same vein. Sutton pushed forward early on but never really looked threatening.A great cross in from Underwood saw Cooper unmarked but his attempt at a header, albeit a low cross, was pretty poor by his normal standard and did not trouble the keeper . Underwood’s crosses were constantly putting the Sutton defence under pressure. On 68 minutes great work from Cooper set up Brady but his shot from the right hand edge of the area was high and wide.

Thirty minutes into the half and Mark Sale was replaced by Colin West, and Diamonds lost no time at all in increasing their lead. On 84 minutes Collins was put clear through out on the near touchline, he whipped in a great cross, which fell just right for West and he fired hard into the goal. Sutton then tried to salvage some pride and on 86 minutes Turley was forced to pull out another of his magnificent saves. (Watch out for the video clip). On 88 minutes Gary Mills made his 1st Team debut in the Conference replacing Mark Cooper and still Diamonds pressed forward. McElhatton grabbed Diamonds fourth right near the end again after great work from Collins to set him up. Wooding then came on for Underwood who had a touch of cramp, and Collins nearly bagged his hatrick just before the final whistle but the keeper denied him with a good save.

So a great result, Diamonds looking good in all departments, especially Bradshaw, Warburton and Peters who won everything. Butts had another great game, though Mark Cooper did not seem to play with his normal bite. Upfront Darren ran the show, and in goal Turley was king – though some of his clearance kicking was a bit suspect at times. Brady and Underwood worked hard, and seeing Brady jumping higher than the big Ekoku was an amusing sight. But we must not get too carried away with this result – Sutton were poor, very poor and unless there are significant changes then it looks like being a long hard winter in store for them. Lets wish them luck anyway!

Brian Talbot heaped loads of praise on the Diamonds supporters after the game, and his comments in full will be printed on the website tomorrow..

Rushden & Diamonds 5 Kidderminster Harriers 3

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

21st August 1999 –  Nene Park (Attendance 2728)

Rushden Team : Turley, Brady, Bradshaw, Peters, Warburton, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Town, Sale, Underwood. Substitutes West, De Souza, Bertocchi, Mison, Wooding.

Kidderminster Team : Brock, Hinton, King, Webb, Brownrigg, Smith, Collins, Petersen, Taylor, Foster, Skovbjerg.

Diamonds Scorers: Peters 21 mins, Cooper (Pen) 35 mins, McElhatton 39 mins and 45 mins, Underwood 88 mins.

Webmasters MoM: Michael McElhatton

Diamonds first two games of the season had lacked inspiration, but today they took on Kidderminster on a bright sunny day determined to silence some of the critics who have written off any promotion challenge this season after only two games! Brian Talbot had been brave in changing his team to a more attack minded team, bringing in Jon Brady and Mark Sale, as well as welcoming Razor Warburton back after a long injury lay off. Yet Diamonds got off to a nightmare start. A very tentative opening few minutes from Diamonds saw the first five minutes going to Kiddy, pushing Diamonds back and attacking down the Diamonds right. Kiddy had a chance to take the lead after only one minute, but blasted a shot over the bar. On six minutes Diamonds pushed forward and a run from Town saw him felled just outside the area, but the resultant free kick from Cooper was charged down and Sale was unable to get a shot in from the rebound. Kiddy broke away quick, down the right, put Diamonds under pressure and they were forced to concede a corner. King of Kidderminster took the corner, and somehow it managed to go actoss the goal, without anyone seeming to get a touch, and into the net. ( If I saw it wrong then please let me know). Diamonds were stunned, and the next 5 minutes belonged to Kiddy, with Molby screaming instructions from the touchline to his players. On 13 minutes David Town got on the end of a flick down from Mark Sale but shot weakly at the keeper, a half chance missed. The first 20 minutes saw Diamonds resorting to long range efforts, and not particularly good one’s at that! But on 21 minutes the game turned Diamonds way – and how! A corner on the right was whipped dangerously into the box, found Peters running in and the scores are level. On 23 minutes Diamonds could have taken the lead, a long ball upfield from Turley, found both Macca and Towner bearing down on the keeper. Macca looked to be in the best position to shoot, but left it for Towner who blasted hard and wide. Diamonds pressure was paying, and on 25 minutes Sale came close heading on to the crossbar after a great ball in from Unders. Peters had a chance on 27 minutes but failed to connect properly with his head, the keeper saving easily. Mark Cooper picked up a booking on 34 minutes not for the trip he committed but from what appears to be something he said to the referee afterwards. The on 35 minutes Diamonds took control, Town clear through on goal only the keeper to beat and he was brought down. Inconsistence from the referee and only a yellow card to the offending player, but justice was done as Coops calmly tucked away the penalty. Diamonds then ran riot, on 39 minutes a great cross into the box, Kiddy looking for offside and Macca directed his header just inside the post. On 45 minutes the way opened up for the marauding Butterworth pushing through the middle. He slid a great ball through for Jon Brady who who unselfishly pulled the ball back for Macca to pick up his second goal of the game. I am not so sure that the Jon Brady of last season would have been so un-selfish, I think we saw a more determined, mature performance from Brady this afternoon. He was obviously a man with something to prove.

Diamonds then 4-1 up at half time and cruising, but then we all know what to expect after the break and we were right – much to our disappointment. Kiddy hit back with two goals in 6 minutes, one straight from the restart almost. There were however very classy goals which I doubt Turley could have done too much about, however I am sure the defenders will be upset with themselves for allowing so much space. Diamonds kept their heads, fought off the inevitable pressure from Kiddy, and went close to extending their lead on 61 minutes, another header from Macca. Jon Brady hit a free kick just over the bar on 65 minutes and he also shot just wide on 68 minutes after being sent clear by Macca. Cooper went close with a rocket shot on 73 minutes, shortly after Town and Sale had been substituted by De Souza and West. Underwood got booked on 76 minutes, mistakenly by the referee who should have booked Butterworth, who had been booked earlier and would have been off. Then almost immediately a late tackle left Unders in a heap on the touchline and off went the number 8 Petersen for an early bath, having been previously booked in the first half. Kidderminster then had a free header on 82 minutes to square the match, but the header sailed high over the Diamonds bar. Then on 88 minutes a moment of magic. Jon Brady again wide on the right put over a magnificent cross straight on to the head of the incoming Underwood whose header rocketed past the keeper and into the back of the net – a glorious goal. The final score then 5-3 to Diamonds, applauded off at the end by the happy crowd.

Performances of note then, Macca absolutely superb, covering every blade of grass, so determined and hard working. Just behind him in my opinion for Man of the Match was Jon Brady and Paul Underwood. Brady in particular for me has had a troublesome period since Ireland, but has knuckled down and worked his way back into favour and into the team. I thought he was excellent today and showed great confidence. Town and Sale upfront worked hard, Sale won everything in the air and had a good game. Town maybe a little disappointing today as his first touch seemed to let him down. But he was still very quick, caused problems, and had a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet. The midfield and defence worked hard, Razor, Rhino and Brads look a very formidable force to be reckoned with. In my opinion they will be disappointed with conceding three, but the second and third goals were very classy. Billy Turley had little to do other than pick the ball out of the net, but he was commanding in his area and his distribution especially to the wing backs was superb. Razor came through his first 90 minutes extremely well and the match will have done him the power of good.

BT still has some work to do upfront, and the defence will need a bit of reassurance in training during the week, but the lads now go forward to Sutton next week full of confidence, with a fully fit squad, and the first win of the season under their belts.

Rushden & Diamonds 1 Telford United 1

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

17th August 1999 – Nene Park (Attendance 2729)

Rushden Team : Turley, Wooding, Bradshaw, Peters, Rodell, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Town, Mison, Underwood. Substitutes Mills, Sale, Brady, Smith, De Souza.

Telford Team : Williams, Travis, Sandwith, McCauley, Bentley, Fowler, Doyle, Fitzpatrick, Malkin, McGorry, Murphy..

Diamonds Scorers: Mison 41 mins

Webmasters MoM: Paul Underwood

Diamonds played host tonight to bogey team Telford United, and despite having most of the play surrendered a lead to a supergoal scored by Telford. But it could have been so different had the luck run for Diamonds tonight. I am sure many of the crowd will be going home disappointed tonight at the loss of two points at home, but Diamonds will play worse than this and win over the coming months.

Diamonds started the first half very brightly, and Town had a great shot from the right hit the post after only four minutes – the rebound hooked away for a corner. A header from Mison on just 5 minutes was placed wide of the upright. The first ten minutes of the game saw some great crosses coming into the box from Unders and Tim Wooding, quality that was missing last weekend at Morecambe. Cooper came close on 17 minutes after a free kick into the box found him stretching, and just unable to get a clean shot in. The ball ended up just going over the crossbar. Telford’s first real attack came on 20 minutes when a header on target was saved easily by Turley. On 24 minutes a great cross, 25 yards across the face of the goal, by Coops found Town un-marked on the edge of the box, and his volley was hit on target, the keeper doing well to hang on to the vicious shot, with Mison coming in to sniff out any fumble. Telford looked very lively and sharp upfront, breaking quick from defence, but their shooting was a little wayward. Macca had a volley which rose just over the crossbar on 31 minutes, and with the heavens opening, the pitch getting slippery, it was always likely that a mistake would occur in one of the defences, and on 41 minutes that is what happened. Underwood found himself in space and a great through ball sent him racing to the edge of the box, the keeper came out to meet him with a defender but the ball bobbled free. Unders picked it up on the bye line and put a great low cross into the box, and on to the foot of Mison who calmly placed the ball into the net. Diamonds finished the half on a high with both Town and Underwood going close to increase the lead.

So Diamonds one up, and looking comfortable. But they did not know what was to await them on 51 minutes. A superb goal for Telford, reminiscent of the Unders goal at Leek last season – 25 yards out, curling and dipping, gave Turley no chance. Possibly one of the best seen at Nene Park for a few seasons. Diamonds though kept battling away, pressurising, but the chances that came their way were not taken. A header by Mison on 57 minutes, Cooper hitting the post, Town almost getting the ball into the net on 64 minutes after a mess-up by the keeper and a defender. The chances were there but luck was not running for the team in white. Then twenty minutes into the second half Turley was made to make a cracking save, tipping a great shot over the bar. On 73 minutes Mison had a great chance to regain the lead for Diamonds, finding himself with the ball at his feet, and clear through on goal he headed to the edge of the area, but as he drew his foot back to hit the shot it was nicked away by a chasing defender. Cooper was replaced by De Souza on 75 minutes, and Sale came on for Mison on 80 minutes in a last ditch attempt to gain all three points but it was not to be. Sale had a couple of headers saved, and a couple of shots that fizzed past the post, and despite the constant pressure in the last ten minutes, Telford hung on for a share of the spoils.

I think Diamonds can consider themselves a little unlucky tonight. Another day they would have sunk the chances and run out easy winners, but Telford are no mugs and will upset a lot of teams this season. They work very hard, and the front men were very lively. Diamonds looked the classier of the sides but take nothing away from Telford’s battling performance. Diamonds are never going to concede many goals playing the formation, and with the quality of players that we have at the back and in midfield. The problem is that this system of play limits the attacking options. Other than the wonder shot that Telford scored with Diamonds looked reasonable comfortable for most of the game. But its goals that we need if we are to progress up the table, and a bit of luck. Hopefully things will go better against Kidderminster on Saturday, and we can get our first win under our belts.

Morecambe 0 Rushden & Diamonds 0

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

14th August 1999 – Christie Park (Attendance 1797)

Rushden Team : Turley, Wooding, Bradshaw, Peters, Rodwell, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Town, Mison, Underwood. Substitutes Mills, Sale, Brady, Smith, Collins.

Webmasters MoM: Billy Turley

Rushden & Diamonds opened their campaign today against Morecambe, away at Christie Park. They earned a point in a 0-0 draw. The first half opened very brightly for Diamonds, and Cooper had a half chance on only 4 minutes, his shot going wide of the goal, after great work by Mison holding up the ball. Two chances fell to David Town early on, the first on 7 minutes after a fumble by the keeper, which was given offside anyway, and the second a half chance after Mison knocked down a great ball to his feet, he took a few jinks, but hit the shot straight to the keeper. On 10 minutes Mison found himself in some space and as defenders backed away he wasted the opportunity mis-hitting his shot wide of the goal. On 14 minutes Mison became the first Diamonds player this season to be yellow carded, presumably for something that he said to the referee. Diamonds were having so much possession, but the ball in the final third was very poor. It was 23 minutes before Morecambe had their first serious attack, and this gave them confidence and they pulled their way back in to the game. On 30 minutes Billy Turley made a great save at the feet of the Morecambe Number 9 who was clear through on goal with only Turley to beat, and then on 32 minutes Turley made a fingertip save which you will not see bettered in any League, for a large keeper he launches himself superbly. On 36 minutes Diamonds had their last chance of the half, as Town picked up the ball, dribbled mazily past three defenders, sent in a great hard low cross, that Mison just got a touch too but could not steer it goalwards.

The second half turned out to be a bit of a disappointment by comparison, but again it could have been so different had Coops managed to get to a great through bal into the box only a minutes of the second half played. On 48 minutes another mazy run from Town into the box saw him brought down, but the referee waved away requests for a penalty. On 53 minutes Diamonds defence seemed to lose concentration and Morecambe had a chance to test Turley, but took too long to shoot and the ball was blocked. Brian Talbot made a change on 60 minutes bringing on Collins and Sale, and taking off Mison and Cooper. The formation changed from 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 Collins taking the right side, but it failed to make any impact. The service from midfield remained poor to the front men, especially from the right. Diamonds lost momentum and Morecambe came much more to the fore, and probably shaded the half. In the latter stages Diamonds pushed forward in earnest but the last third was their downfall, no quality service, and attackers looking static at times. Interestingly Billy Turley did not have a save to make in the second half, but then neither did the Morecambe keeper!

Notable performances today from MoM Billy Turley, Rhino Peters and Brads looked solid, Rodders worked hard and played it simple – clearing quickly when required. In midfield we look so strong, Butts magnificent and Coops and Maccs well disciplined today. The wing backs a bit disappointing particularly second half. Towner looks real class, Mison caused problems but at the moment does not think quick enough as a striker, but it will come. He is always in the danger area and ran himself all over the park. Well done Mison. Darren and Saley struggled when they came on not taking to the three men upfront roles very well.

A special mention should be made to the Diamonds fans who travelled, and were superb with their singing throughout the game. Speaking to Talbot after the game he heaped immense praise on them, and said the lads really appreciated it, and were sorry that they could not give them the 3 points we all wanted. ( A review of the game recorded on the Coach recorded by BT is on the Clubcall – 09068 440033 if you want to have a listen). The next two games for Diamonds are at home, Telford on Tuesday night and Kiddy on Saturday. Lets hope the crowds are good and equally vociferous as the away fans at Morecambe.

Morecambe 0 Rushden & Diamonds 0

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

14th August 1999 – Christie Park (Attendance 1797)

Rushden Team : Turley, Wooding, Bradshaw, Peters, Rodwell, Cooper, Butterworth, McElhatton, Town, Mison, Underwood. Substitutes Mills, Sale, Brady, Smith, Collins.

Webmasters MoM: Billy Turley

Rushden & Diamonds opened their campaign today against Morecambe, away at Christie Park. They earned a point in a 0-0 draw. The first half opened very brightly for Diamonds, and Cooper had a half chance on only 4 minutes, his shot going wide of the goal, after great work by Mison holding up the ball. Two chances fell to David Town early on, the first on 7 minutes after a fumble by the keeper, which was given offside anyway, and the second a half chance after Mison knocked down a great ball to his feet, he took a few jinks, but hit the shot straight to the keeper. On 10 minutes Mison found himself in some space and as defenders backed away he wasted the opportunity mis-hitting his shot wide of the goal. On 14 minutes Mison became the first Diamonds player this season to be yellow carded, presumably for something that he said to the referee. Diamonds were having so much possession, but the ball in the final third was very poor. It was 23 minutes before Morecambe had their first serious attack, and this gave them confidence and they pulled their way back in to the game. On 30 minutes Billy Turley made a great save at the feet of the Morecambe Number 9 who was clear through on goal with only Turley to beat, and then on 32 minutes Turley made a fingertip save which you will not see bettered in any League, for a large keeper he launches himself superbly. On 36 minutes Diamonds had their last chance of the half, as Town picked up the ball, dribbled mazily past three defenders, sent in a great hard low cross, that Mison just got a touch too but could not steer it goalwards.

The second half turned out to be a bit of a disappointment by comparison, but again it could have been so different had Coops managed to get to a great through ball into the box only a minutes of the second half played. On 48 minutes another mazy run from Town into the box saw him brought down, but the referee waved away requests for a penalty. On 53 minutes Diamonds defence seemed to lose concentration and Morecambe had a chance to test Turley, but took too long to shoot and the ball was blocked. Brian Talbot made a change on 60 minutes bringing on Collins and Sale, and taking off Mison and Cooper. The formation changed from 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 Collins taking the right side, but it failed to make any impact. The service from midfield remained poor to the front men, especially from the right. Diamonds lost momentum and Morecambe came much more to the fore, and probably shaded the half. In the latter stages Diamonds pushed forward in earnest but the last third was their downfall, no quality service, and attackers looking static at times. Interestingly Billy Turley did not have a save to make in the second half, but then neither did the Morecambe keeper!

Notable performances today from MoM Billy Turley, Rhino Peters and Brads looked solid, Rodders worked hard and played it simple – clearing quickly when required. In midfield we look so strong, Butts magnificent and Coops and Maccs well disciplined today. The wing backs a bit disappointing particularly second half. Towner looks real class, Mison caused problems but at the moment does not think quick enough as a striker, but it will come. He is always in the danger area and ran himself all over the park. Well done Mison. Darren and Saley struggled when they came on not taking to the three men upfront roles very well.

A special mention should be made to the Diamonds fans who travelled, and were superb with their singing throughout the game. Speaking to Talbot after the game he heaped immense praise on them, and said the lads really appreciated it, and were sorry that they could not give them the 3 points we all wanted.

The next two games for Diamonds are at home, Telford on Tuesday night and Kiddy on Saturday. Lets hope the crowds are good and equally vociferous as the away fans at Morecambe.