The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

I previously posted a table of results for matches between the top 5 teams and no question that we had the worst record. I'm not going to post it again or update it because to be honest it doesn't count for anything come the playoffs.

ParcelFace wrote:I hope we don't go up through the playoffs, we don't do well against the better teams in this league. Another year in this league to regroup and strengthen our squad with the right signings is needed at this stage - we've seen how we become undone. Very pleased to have made the play-offs though!

Disagree totally. If we win the playoffs then we are good enough to go up.

If we adopt attitude that we don't want to win play offs then why have we been bothering to play at all. Gaining promotion is the purpose of all football (other than winning the title outright of course). Having said that, the prospect of Northern League footie is horrendous so if we were to fail in the play offs on this occasion it would not be such a bad thing.

real diamond wrote:Does anyone know if all four clubs in the play off places will take up the option to compete for promotion? - Does anyone know if KL will take promotion should they win it on Saturday?

They tweeted on March 21 they had passed the Ground Grading - - so they must have spent time / money on achieving that, so will be worthy champions if they win on Saturday (or Egham draw at Royston). If they are pipped to the title it will be an interesting trip to Gaywood Park... Mind you if Royston win the league and they end up facing Egham in the playoff final those rather undiplomatic words about them in the Egham programme last night might be pinned on their dressing room wall.

TwinkleToesTomlin wrote:Do we know how bad Stevo's injury is?

I'm not an expert but it looked like his hammy. If that's the case it should make for an interesting Hillier Senior Cup Final given Sandy and Bowen are cup-tied and Lorraine and Stevo are injured.

BartonRaz wrote:

TwinkleToesTomlin wrote:Do we know how bad Stevo's injury is?

I'm not an expert but it looked like his hammy. If that's the case it should make for an interesting Hillier Senior Cup Final given Sandy and Bowen are cup-tied and Lorraine and Stevo are injured.

Liversedge as a lone striker then. I think Richards could play up top, surprised he didn't come on there against Hanwell.

It's time to see if Nabil shariff is ready and get him some game time.
Forget the past and move on to the play offs. As we're away maybe we need to employ some tactical changes and set up the team formation differently? What is the format extra time and penalties?

Three of Diamonds wrote:It's time to see if Nabil shariff is ready and get him some game time.
Forget the past and move on to the play offs. As we're away maybe we need to employ some tactical changes and set up the team formation differently? What is the format extra time and penalties?

The format in previous years has certainly included ET and penalties - http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Royton- ... story.html .

A decent performance, a shame to lose, but at least we in the play offs.

I'll prefer to play in the Southern Premier league next season. Than the North South league.

If given one choice, I'll much prefer to beat Egham in the play offs, than the league game.

updiamonds wrote:
I'll prefer to play in the Southern Premier league next season. Than the North South league.

Every single person connected with this football club should share this sentiment. These play-off games, with the exception of Barwell/Dover are the most exciting in this clubs history.

Was delighted to see Lewis Leslie up for it on Social Media the other day: "No sacrifice. No victory. The next two weeks are huge! I will gladly take 100s of tackles like this if it means winning a trophy & gaining promotion... Hopefully everyone comes out in numbers, gets behind us & let's go for it!"

Making the play-offs is a huge achievement and should not be passed up on. I'd honestly love to hear why some people want us to stay at this level. First, it's not guarenteed we will make the play-offs/get promoted next season, look at our form in the second half of the season. Year on year kaizen should not be taken for granted. This is an opportunity we should be looking to capitalise on. Second, promotion will mean we will face better teams and attract better players and I feel despite the fact attendances have not grown dramatically in correlation with promotions thus far, the introduction of away fans will change that trend in our favour. There's been some comments on here about the financial aspects of promotion for clubs. I spend 48 weeks a year worrying about accounts, finances and going concern, I'm not going to start letting that dampen ambition and a willingness for my beloved football team to win. I'm sure if we get promoted, the guys in charge of the numbers can make sure we still operate within budget, and if that means a sudden halt to success (which it probably will do), then so be it.

Two games, anything can happen. Let's hope Hoban and Stevenson show their clutch. And that Dolman, Ashton and Finley defend and scrap for their lives. I hope that what happens is our football club reaches a level that we can all be so very proud of.