Match Report

Diamonds won their third consecutive league match as they held on for a hard-fought victory over bottom side Hitchin.

The visitors got off to the perfect start inside two minutes when Ben Diamond volleyed home a corner, and they almost doubled their lead soon afterwards when Connor Furlong was denied. The advantage was extended when Ravi Shamsi slipped a neat ball through to Ty Deacon who clinically poked an effort past the keeper and in off the far post. Hitchin threatened with a few efforts off-target and some shots terrifically blocked, but Rushden seemed pretty comfortable at the half-time break.

That all changed ten minutes into the second half when home striker Callum Stead tricked his way into the area before seeing a shot deflected up and over Dean Snedker into the net. A number of long balls, set-pieces and long throws were then hit into the Diamonds area as the hosts pressed for an equaliser but, aside from a few routine saves and one goalmouth melee, Snedker was protected by a stoic defensive display. They could have put the game to bed a few times on the counter-attack, but in the end Rushden had done enough to seal another three points.

Full match report to follow…

Preview

Diamonds start a sequence of 4 away games in 5 December matches with the trip to Hitchin Town on Saturday afternoon.

Hitchin sit bottom of the league after a tough run of one win in 13 but that win came recently at Top Field in impressive fashion: 4-1 against Leiston.

Diamonds come into the game off the back of consecutive home wins for the first time this season and 4 excellent wins in the last 5 in the league sees them up to 9th place in the table. Defeat at Leiston last time out was disappointing but it was the first on their travels since the opening away game at Bromsgrove.

Hitchin Town FC

Hitchin Town were founded in 1928 although they can trace roots back to Hitchin FC founded in 1865 but folded in 1911. Playing in the Spartan League, the Athenian League and the Isthmian League before landing in the Southern Football League.

Previous Encounters

Diamonds are unbeaten in league contests against Hitchin with three wins and a draw. The wins include an incredible 7 goal thriller at Top Field which Diamonds led 2-0, trailed 3-2 and scored two injury time goals to win 4-3 in front of ecstatic travelling fans. Last season saw another incredible game with Chris Wreh scoring 4 first half goals in a 7-1 win. Hitchin did win a Southern Football League Challenge Cup tie on penalties at Hayden Road in 2018 after a 0-0 draw.

The Game

Diamonds set out on a run of 8 away games in the next 11 buoyed by those back-to-back home wins. Away form has been good and the team will travel with confidence to Hertfordshire but very aware of Hitchin’s improved competitiveness that saw three draws and a win over Leiston before narrow defeats to Alvechurch and Barwell.

Radio Diamonds will be in action as usual with Twitter updates, match reports, interviews and highlights bringing you all the action.

Enjoy the game.

Paul Judd
Media Team

Ticket Prices:

• £12 Adults
• £8 Concessions (Over 60)*
• £3 Teenagers*
• Children Under 13 accompanying an Adult (maximum two per adult) £1
• Senior Citizens Over 80 Free**

• * You may be asked to produce proof of age if this could be called into question.
• ** Even though tickets are FREE, you must obtain a ticket online in advance.

Note: ALL tickets must be bought online in advance. There is no pay on the gate entry on match day.

• Link to ticket sales site is:
• https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets/
• Note: The Box Office site will be open until half an hour after kick-off.
• Further information on Hitchin’s advance ticket only policy is on their website:
• https://hitchintownfc.club/why-all-ticket/

Programme:

• £2.50, contactless payments preferred.

Information:

• Further information for supporters is available here, including parking etc.