Match Preview

On The Road Again…
Your tour guide to; AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Quick facts
Founded in 2011 in Junior football, entered senior football 2012
Nickname The Diamonds
Home Colours White shirts, blue shorts
Last season, they were 5/22 beaten play off semi finalists in Northern PL D1 South
Last time we were here Vs Diamonds; at the Dog & Duck ground, Rovers were beaten 5-1 in October 2014. At this ground; a 7-0 win over R&HU in March 2011 on the way to the UCL 1 title.
Historic/competitive rivalries Kettering Town
Stadium Hayden Road (sharing with Rushden & Higham United)
Entry price Adults £9, Concessions £6 and Under 8s Free
Post code for your Satnav NN10 0HX
Miles for this game 30 mile round trip
Total miles so far this season 1240.8 miles before today

Diamonds’ current form is imperious. Seven consecutive victories, one defeat in their last ten and only one defeat at home all season. in their ten home games so far, Diamonds have kept seven clean sheets and boast a combined record of 24 goals scored and just five conceded.

Kempston’s brilliant win against Moneyfields snapped the team out of back to back defeats. New defender Alex Collard made an impressive debut in the game and will be looking to continue his fine start to life with the Walnuts.

This game could’ve taken place at Hillgrounds, with Diamonds needing a compliant ground to start the season amid the development works at Hayden Road, Rovers stepped in and offered a temporary home. It was only needed once, for a friendly in pre-season. Thanks to the work of Diamonds volunteers, Hayden Road was fit to host the opening game of the season in August.

A huge bonus of this game is the “Burger Monster” catering van. THE best alternative to turkey sandwiches you could possibly ask for this Boxing Day.

Basic directions;
Head north up the A6, go past the first signed exit for Rushden, take the first exit at the next roundabout into Newton Road. Hayden Road is on the right immediately after you pass the primary school.
There is no car park at the ground and street parking can be limited and tight on the side roads. Please click here to get the club’s official advice on getting to and parking for the ground.