23rd July 2002 pre-season friendly match report

By Al
July 24 2002

Rushden and Diamonds remain unbeaten in their pre-season friendlies, as they prepare for the 2002-2003 nationwide football league season. a more youthful looking diamonds side victorious at Ryman league side Bishop Stortford.

As announced prior to the game Brian Talbot left Billy Turley, Paul Underwood, Stuart Wardley, Paul Hall, Onandi Lowe, Andy Burgess, and Fitzroy Simpson at Nene park.
On an excellent playing surface the diamonds again dominated the first period, but showed the lack of strength in depth in the second half.
Rushden took the lead five minutes into the game when Duane Darby and trialist Marcus Browning combined down the right to square to Daniel Talbot who side footed the ball into an empty net.
Browning came more and more into the game and went close five minutes later heading just over from close range.
After the initial opening shock Stortford started to compete with the football league professionals and Mark Peters committed two fouls in quick succession, hyatt steering his free kick wide.
A rash tackle from diamonds Christie on 21 minutes saw Martin leave the field on a stretcher. Stortford tested Adam Sollitt with a couple of half chances the diamonds trialist keeper coping well between the sticks.
Just before half time Stortford had a golden opportunity to level when Paul just missed his header at the far post, with the open goal beckoning.

HALF TIME: Bishop Stortford 0 diamonds 1

The second half saw a much younger diamonds side encounter a midfield battle with their Ryman league counterparts.
On 52 minutes a long ball from defence found Robert Duffy who headed down for Browning to steer his effort just wide. David Bell jnr then replaced Daniel Talbot.
With 20 minutes left Adams came on for the impressive Browning. Chances became far and wide with both sides cancelling each other out. Christie had the best of the chances for diamonds but all to no avail.
Magnus came on for Bell snr and Storey replaced Gary Mills in midfield.
The final few minutes saw Tedder replace Christie, and Delroy Gordon come on for the injured Duffy.
Both sides tried hard to create opportunities but the 0-1 scoreline remained until the referees final whistle.
The opportunity for the youth team players has been encouraging, but as yet no one player has really come to the fore.

FULL TIME: Bishop stortford 0 diamonds 1

DIAMONDS TEAMS

First half: Sollitt, Mustafa, Peters, Tillson, Gray, Bell snr, Mills, Browning, Talbot, Darby, Christie.

Second half: Sollitt, Sambrook, Hunter, Solkhon, Dempster, Bell snr, Mills, Browning, Talbot, Duffy, Christie.