Pre-season friendly
Sunday 29th July
Derby County Ladies 0 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies commenced the first of two pre-season fixtures with a 2-0 win at Derby County of the Midland Combination. Diamonds had made a number of new signings over the summer in a bid to strengthen their squad, with several former Northampton Town players making the switch. In fact, it was former Cobbler Fay Howell who fired in two second half goals (63 & 83 minutes) to secure the win.
RPS sponsors Diamonds Ladies
During the half time interval at the Maunsell Cup Final against Northampton Town on Saturday 4th August, Rushden & Diamonds Ladies were presented with a cheque for £5,000 from main sponsors for the coming season, Rotational Plastic Solutions (GB Ltd). The cheque was presented to RDLFC Chairperson Liz Marsh by David Clingo. Also present was a representative from the Crazy Hats Charity, which RPS and Diamonds Ladies are pleased to support, and player Kirsty Cooper. Diamonds new kit will be officially launched with the RPS logo on Sunday 26th August during their first home League match against Cambridge City.
Ladies parade silverware
Following their win over Northampton Town in the County Cup Final last April, Diamonds Ladies also paraded the Trophy around Nene Park. With a 2-2 scoreline after 90 minutes and extra time after two goals from Ashley Palmer, Diamonds went on to beat Northampton 7-6 on penalties, with player/manager Vicky Gallagher burying the decisive spot kick. They also showed off the Launton Tournament Trophy which they won in 2006.
Launton Tournament
Diamonds Ladies competed in the Launton (6-a-side) Tournament on Sunday 5th August to try to defend the Trophy they won last year. After winning all six of their group games, they successfully won both quarter final and semi final matches, but lost to Scottish side Clyde LFC by a single goal in the final.
Pre-season friendly
Sunday 12th August
Rushden & Diamonds 2 - 1 Coventry City Ladies
In their final pre-season fixture, Diamonds Ladies took on a strong Coventry City side, widely tipped to take the Midland Combination title this year. Both sides were evenly matched during the first half, with Diamonds still missing several first team players due to work commitments and holidays. An early free kick from the visitors Jade Formaston caused some concern in the Diamonds defence, while at the other end, Katie Loydall had a great chance saved, and Ashley Palmer shot over the bar. A superb save from Diamonds keeper Charlene Ward after 33 minutes kept the sides level at the break.
The home side came out stronger in the second half with Aileen Whelan's early effort saved. Diamonds took the lead on 59 minutes when Fay Howell crossed from the right for Ashley Palmer to flick a header past the visitors keeper. Nine minutes later, the same two combined again with Howell this time running down the left flank and crossing for Palmer to side foot the ball into the net.
Coventry got a goal back after 78 minutes, when Jade Formaston was brought down in the area - Kate Moran converting the spot kick past Nicci Raith.
Diamonds Ladies start their League campaign next Sunday (19th August) with an away trip to Enfield, while the first home game will be against newcomers Cambridge City the following Sunday (26th August) - 2pm kick off.
Reserve Team Manager Vacancy
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies Football Club are a voluntary organisation with a strong belief in equal opportunities. We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced football coach with a desire for success and a strong ability to relate to, and motivate, women and youth footballers to the highest level. Preferably Level 2 with experience of managing a senior team.
(CRB check will be required on successful candidate)
For more information contact:
Tony Blake 07855 184453
