V 

Saturday 7th January 2006
Northampton Town 0 v Rushden & Diamonds 2

Despite a switch of venue to Nene Park, this was always going to test the young Diamonds following the call-up of 5 youth team players to the 1st team squad.

With Geoff Harrop's recent appointment to the 1st team, the squad was taken by Marc Tracy, the club's head of recruitment. Several players were back in the team following recent injuries, as well as two new trialists.

The game started at a steady tempo with the Diamonds looking to break down the Cobblers rear-guard. Following some consistent pressure on their back four the Cobblers were forced into an error which was well taken by Simeon Jackson. Although there wasn't much between the two sides, Diamonds felt they could go on and progress from this promising start.

Northampton began to see more of the ball early on in the 2nd half. But despite the Cobblers having the better possession the young Diamonds defence held firm, whilst the team continued to look dangerous on the break.

Diamonds finished the game on a high by breaking away and scoring again through Simeon Jackson following a clever through ball by Under 16 Gregory Taylor.

So congratulations to the Diamonds for a professional performance ahead of this week's Midland Cup game against Hednesford Town. Special mentions must go to Dominic Langdon, Alex Bolt and Ben Reynolds, as well as Tom Shaw who was a great example to everyone for his performance, attitude and leadership qualities.