The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

From a results point of view a very successful Pre Season. Four wins 1 draw 1 defeat 7 goals scored 2 conceded.
On the plus side just those 2 goals conceded, one against MK Dons, so no shame there and the other in final minute of game already won v Daventry.
Of some concern though is only 7 goals in 5 games against mostly Step 4 and 5 opposition. I would anticipate our forthcoming NPL opponents will be much stronger.
Another plus is that the squad seem settled and have been for a few games now. Which is quite a contrast to the shambles of the past 2 seasons at this stage.
Maybe an on loan striker could be the final piece to give us a successful season starting next Saturday.

I thought today was arguably the worst I have seen us play this pre season, definitely in terms of our passing in our own half. I’ve been to the Lutterworth, MK Dons, and Daventry games before this one. I don’t quite understand why we’ve been playing a 5 at the back all pre season, with our winger Cairo playing as a striker, and then suddenly we switch to a back 4 in our final friendly, when our only winger Cairo isn’t even there! Even though I don’t think it gets the best out of Cairo, I thought the 5 at the back had been working quite nicely! If we are going to revert back to a back 4 I think we could be in a spot of bother because we’ve only got one proper winger, I’m not convinced by Johnston or Jamal Adams playing in that position. I am a bit nonplussed to be honest. Other than a cracking goal from Corden, I thought we were very sloppy and could’ve easily conceded 3 or 4. I’m still optimistic for the season though!

I thought it was a patchy performance, a typical Step 4 game with plenty of endeavour but sometimes lacking quality. I agree we need to find a cutting edge up front, I don't think we made their keeper make a save. Maybe the formation change was too much, but a winning habit is good.

Knowing that Corby were watching today may have had something to do with those tactical changes maybe?

First game I have been able to get to, but what struck me was we seem a bigger more physical side this year and look difficult to break down. I can forgive a little bit of “foot off the gas” in the last friendly, minds turning to next Saturday and not wanting to get injured etc.

Fraser was the pick of the bunch for me - very impressed with his performance!

Post match interviews with AFCRDTV

If the formation change was for the benefit of the watching scout then it's a great decision.
Fraser was the stand out player in the first half, he really put himself about and got stuck in, but i have to say the whole team puts in a good shift. I like the fact we've got a whole week off before our first game, time to get work done in training and rest up to be fresh for the challenge. Corby want to win the league this season, we need to be on it from the start.
Come on you Diamonds

Nice to have a fairly positive pre season, even if goals could be an issue.

Was wondering if we know anything regarding Miguel Ngwa? Not featured in a squad since the 16th, but can't see him (at least not on X/Twitter) lining up anywhere else. We probably didn't always see the Ngwa we got in his first spell last season, but still would love to see him back cause we know what he can do.

Olly wrote: Sun Jul 28, 2024 5:21 pm Nice to have a fairly positive pre season, even if goals could be an issue.

Was wondering if we know anything regarding Miguel Ngwa? Not featured in a squad since the 16th, but can't see him (at least not on X/Twitter) lining up anywhere else. We probably didn't always see the Ngwa we got in his first spell last season, but still would love to see him back cause we know what he can do.

Looked a threat in the match against MK Dons and some of theur fans standing near me, commented on how good number 14 was. If still unattached hes certainly worth signing again, even if it is only short term