Match Report

Diamonds struck a dramatic 90th minute winner to defeat Hitchin in a largely even affair on Saturday afternoon.

Chances were few and far between in the opening period, as Ravi Shamsi had an effort held at one end and Dean Snedker made an important save down the other to deny Henry Snee. Will Jones had a shot saved, but he then gave away a penalty a few minutes later as he was adjudged to have handled in the area. Hitchin full-back Alex Brown stepped up to dispatch the ball into the net to put the visitors ahead, a lead that could have been cut when Jones met a delicious cross in from Sam Warburton only for the striker’s header to go straight at the keeper.

The hosts improved in the second half as they played with more purpose and applied more pressure. Hitchin should have doubled their advantage though when a low cross in from the left led to Snee hitting the post when it looked easier to score, and they were made to pay for that miss soon afterwards. Ravi Shamsi drove inside from the right before striking a low effort that flicked off the post before nestling in the net, the recent signing’s first goal for Rushden on his home debut. He then had another long-range effort well tipped away, but it appeared the match would end in a draw until the late twist. Shamsi’s deep free-kick found the towering Alex Collard, and he floated a header over the keeper and into the far corner to spark jubilant scenes amongst fans and players alike.

Full match report to follow

Preview

Diamonds return to Southern League Premier Central action as they welcome Hitchin Town to Hayden Road on Saturday 25th September (Kick-off 3:00 pm).

Ticket Information

Entry for this game is will be by advanced ticket purchase via TicketSource or by card payment at the turnstile. Cash entry payments will not be permitted. Admission prices are as follows:

Adult: £11

Concession: £8

Under 16: £8

Under 8: Free

Under 16 Members: Free

Catering

Due to the current forecourt fuel shortage our food traders are unable to attend today‘s match against Hitchin Town. We apologise for the inconvenience. The Main Bar and Dales Bar will both be open as usual.

Hitchin Town

Hitchin were founded in 1928 but can trace links to a Hitchin Football Club from 1868. They’ve played at Top Field in the town since inception and have played in the Spartan League, Isthmian League and now Southern League since 2000. They had great FA Cup success in the 70s and 90s reaching the second round twice and made the promotion playoffs twice in successive seasons recently losing the second in 2017 agonisingly in extra time.