By rob
August 14 2002

4 points from the Diamonds first 2 games sees us lying 2nd in the nationwide league division 3. 2 brief match reports show how the Diamonds faired... The first game of the season, away to Swansea city, at vetch field, ended in a 2-2 draw, after Paul Underwood got an equalising goal in injury time.

Onandi Lowe scored the first goal of the game via a free kick, but the score was levelled before half time with James Thomas getting on the score sheet.

In the 2nd half it was Swansea who took the lead with a quality effort from Paul Reid that left Billy Turley with no chance to save.

Swansea were reduced to 10 men when Kris O’leary was sent off, then later Barry Hunter was given his marching orders when he received a 2nd yellow for a clumsy challenge.

The game looked to be over but the diamonds dominated the last fifteen minutes, and in injury time the equaliser came with a low shot, outside the area from Underwood, to deny Swansea a victory.

FINAL SCORE: Swansea 2 Diamonds 2


Tuesday evening the diamonds were at home to Torquay, a game that was end to end with chances for both teams, but it was the Northamptonshire side that converted the chances with 3 super goals to seal a well deserved victory.

Darby got his first goal of the season, after 5 minutes, as he got on to the end of a Hall flick on to head past Kevin Dearden. Torquays reply was to press quickly and 2 mins later they were denied a goal when the ball came off the post.

In the 11th minute an early substitution came for Rushden, as Bignot took a knock, and now looks doubtful for Saturday. Sambrook was his replacement.

Rushdens 2nd goal came in the 2nd half when Paul Hall’s corner kick found Stuart Wardley in space to blast the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute.

2 changes were made on 70 minutes, when Daniel Talbot, and Darby were replaced by Mills and Partridge, and within a few minutes the 3rd goal came after Lowes free kick was punched out by Dearden, which landed at hall’s feet to slot the ball home.

FINAL SCORE: Diamonds 3 Torquay 0

The entertainment value of the first 2 games was great, and Brian Talbot would be pleased with the overall performances of his players.