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Jom Dunham's Report - VERDICT: Rowe-Turner the derby-day hero as Poppies edge out Diamonds.

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Lathaniel Rowe-Turner takes the congratulations after he scored K*ttering Town's goal in the 1-0 win at local rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Pictures by Peter Short

I thought we played well yesterday, we worked hard as team.

However, i won't say that it was a response to Saturday's thrashing because derby games are like fa cup games, the players don't need much motivating, regardless of who put out on the field they would have gone the extra mile against K*ttering.

I think really the season started to fizzle out due to fatigue, we came up to a new league after doing so well last season, we didn't really make big signings and were an unknown quantity to many of the teams we played this season, after a while teams do start to suss you out, not to mention there are a few ex conference players floating around in this league as well as some players who are capable of playing higher but not had the chance due to concerns over their consistency and the likes.

Some may say that being in a position to potentially qualify for the play offs should be a motivation but if you've been working hard to get their in the first place and your knackered then fatigue kicks in and you end up losing some confidence and going into games with the priority of not making a mistake rather than lets go and score goals. it is very easy for players to get into the play offs and think wow we are in with a chance and then even without fan expectations you get a fear of making a mistake and slipping away.

Had we have brought in 2 players who have recent experience at this level or the next level up it probably would have drove us on and given us the chance to rotate a bit more.

So in short, to come up but not spend much and still be in the hunt for a play off place in late February is fantastic, can we do it again next season? probably not unless we bring in 5 new faces to shuffle it up again as getting so close this season and then falling away will still be in the players minds next season should we be in and around the same positions.

Jon Dunham speaks with Andy Peaks

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Andy Peaks sends out some instructions during AFC Rushden & Diamonds' 1-0 defeat to K*ttering Town at Hayden Road.
Pictures by Peter Short

Jon Dunham's "Five things we learned".

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Diamonds boss Andy Peaks will have been pleased with an improved display from his team, despite the defeat