Dull (adj)- causing boredom; tedious; uninteresting.

Not a bad way to describe the ‘battle’ between Rushden and Peterborough on a wet Wednesday night, then? With Peterborough sending out a weaker side than promised, and with Justin Edinburgh still rotating both players and formations, half an hour in I was contemplating why I even bothered to turn up.

No shots. No fans. No atmosphere. Most importantly, no intent.

With Aaron O’Connor rested, Cliff Akurang filled in, whilst Neil Cousins and Rob Wolleaston returned to the squad. Although Darren Ferguson named his two latest Non-League recruits, Danny Mills and Romone McRae, it was still a fairly weak squad.

The first real chance of the half fell to the powerhouse Cliff Akurang, after Craig Farrell’s piledriver was only palmed away, but he only divertited  harmlessly over, much to the frustration of the Rushden bench. At the other end, Simon Downer and Jamie Stuart found the threat of Mills easy to handle, although Dale Roberts was forced into a brilliant save to claw away Mills’ effort.

When the tempo finally rising, it was Rushden who looked more likely to score. After Farrell provided a brilliant flick-on, Cousins sent an effort towards James McKeowns’ near post, but the ball was cleared off the line by a Posh defender.

The second half began with some much required optimism for the Rushden fans, and Wolleaston ran onto a ball that was deflected off Akurangs’ proverbial, but as he tried to round McKeown the ball was smothered by the visiting goalkeeper. Soon after however, Rushden took a deserved lead. There seemed little danger as James Reid picked up the ball on the left flank, but after a brilliant interchange between the winger and Akurang, Reid slotted home with the outside of his boot.

Peterborough then started to get moving. Jamie Day drilled wide, the ineffective Mills saw an acrobatic attempt go just over, before Day’s corner hit the post. Any chances of a leveller were qualmed however, as a poorly placed pass from Reid went straight to McKeown. An easy clearance you would presume? Somehow, McKeown managed to miskick the ball, leaving Craig Farrell to slide the ball home.

The referee brought the game to a close, and Rushden had won again. But it is clear that they will have to put together much stronger performances if they are to challenge for a play-off place this term.

The game against MK Dons was full of action, but MK took the lead when Mark Carrington drilled in from the edge of the area. Aaron O’Connor slotted home the equaliser, before a cross from himself was deflected in by David McCracken, although O’Connor was credited with the goal. There was also a 19-man brawl after Daniel Gleeson put in a shocking tackle in which Rushdens’ Kurt Robinson was lucky not to have his leg broken.

Against Corby, Rushden fielded mainly fringe players, youth teamers, and trialists. Lee Tomlin was the star as he scored a beautiful goal from 25 yards, hit the post and set up Sam Smith who drilled home and also hit the post in six minutes. Rushden got both tired and sloppy late on, and with an average age of 18 on the pitch at the end, goals from Jack Defty and Leon Mettam squared up the game.

28 year-old Akurang, whose previous clubs include Dagenham, Histon, and Weymouth, scored 10 times in 33 starts for the Bee’s, and looks to be Justin Edinburghs’ final piece of the jigsaw.

The final squad addition??

Edinburgh told www.thediamondsfc.com , ‘I tried to sign him when I first came to the club, he’s been top of my list for a while now. He’s someone that I think will be an excellent addition to the squad, he’s a little bit different to the strikers we’ve already go at the club. He gives us a little bit more strength, he knows this level, and he scores goals.’

Justin Edinburgh put out a similar side to the one that lost to Grimsby on Saturday, although Forest loanee James Reid took Lee Tomlins’ place on the left wing, with Tomlin replacing Craig Farrell as Aaron O’Connors’ strike partner. The names on the Forest teamsheet represented the difference in ability between the two sides, with Chris Gunter, Paul McKenna, Dexter Blackstock and David McGoldrick, amongst others, all having skill in abundance.

After an impressive showing in Devon, some of Rushdens’ fans were quietly anticipating a good performance which would, hopefully, reflect upon the season as a whole before the match, but these hopes were dashed to bring silence on the DeBanke terrace after just ninety seconds. After Joel Lynch, making his Forest debut, had placed a defence-splitting through ball, Radoslaw Majewski latched onto it to slide the ball agonisingly into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards.

As Rushden tried to take control of the situation, it was Forest who looked all the more dominant, and only a fine Roberts save from Lewis McGugan kept the deficit to one. Simon Downer also spared Jamie Stuarts’ blushes with a fine saving tackle, after a mix-up between Stuart and Max Porter left the Rushden defence outnumbered. Rushden recovered from what seemed an early onslaught well, regaining composure throughout midfield. After Reid had combined with Rob Wolleaston on the touchline, a low cross from Wolleaston was excellently cut out by Gunter to prevent O’Connor from having the simplest of tap ins.

Rushden try to launch a prompt attack

However, Rushden did equalise shortly afterwards. Good work from Kurt Robinson saw the ball find its’ way to Wolleaston who found Reid neatly, who in turn crossed for Aaron O’Connor to bundle the ball home from close range, scoring his third goal in as many appearances.

With the momentum swinging firmly in their path, Rushden started the second half brightly. A trademark run from Curtis Osano, where he travelled 60 yards with the ball seemingly stuck to his feet, ended up with a stinging shot that skewed wide of the target. O’Conner continued to threat the multi-million pound defence, and, after leaving the defender clueless following many tricks and turns, drew a good save from Lee Camp. O’Connor then managed to take the ball to the byline, but his cross was inches behind Craig Farrell, with the former York hitman finding the goal at his mercy.

Rushdens’ defence continued to nullify the Forest attack, and it was the Diamonds, who so nearly won the game at the death. Substitute Sam Smith put in a hanging cross which was too high for Camp to pluck out of the air, but Matt Pattisons’ header didn’t have enough pace on it and was hacked off the line by Luke Chambers.

Full-time at Nene Park

Despite the early disappointment, many positives can be taken from the match, which hopefully Justin Edinburgh can implement in training in time for the start of the season.

Placed in Group D with favourites Blackpool, Rushden were expected to be leaving not long after they arrived. But, with no expectancy placed on their shoulders, Blackpool were put under the cosh and even Ian Holloway, the Tangerines’ manager, admitted that Curtis Osano and Kurt Robinson made defending against his higher-rated wingers ‘look like a training session’. After summer signing Aaron O’Connor raced clear and slotted home, Ben Burgess equalised for Blackpool. Dale Roberts was then forced to make a number a top-drawer saves, ensuing a penalty shoot-out. As Blackpool missed two of their penalties, Sam Smith was left with the chance to slot home and win the game unexpectedly.

After facing a team in the second tier of English football, Rushden came up with a much easier task against tenth-tier Barnstaple. Fielding what was almost a second-string side, goals from Smith, O’Connor, and Craig Farrell won the game before Barnstaple scored a last-minute consolation, meaning Rushden would face Grimsby in the Semi-Final.

After Grimbsy took an early lead, Neil Cousins equalised for Rushden after Farrell’s free-kick could only be palmed away. With the incentive of a final place against Luton awaiting, Rushden went on the attack and looked dangerous, before two quick flowing moves from the Mariners put Grimsby in control. In the last minute, Danny North sealed the game for Grimsby, lobbing the advancing Roberts.

After Grimsby withdrew for both timing and policing issues, RRFC Montenegee took their place in the final; everyone else had gone home! As expected, Luton were victorious by three goals to one, and picked up what was their first (and hopefully only) piece of silverware of the season.

Despite manager Garry Hill being unable to attend, the backroom staff put out a strong line up, and also giving new player-coach Chris Hope his chance to excel. However, it must also be taken into account that Rushden were missing perhaps their three most prominent midfielders; Andy Burgess, Curtis Woodhouse, and Rob Wolleaston. Alan Marriott continued his goalkeeping duties, with Curtis Osano, Gareth Jelleyman, Hope, and Captain Sagi Burton in defence. Jon Challinor partnered Scott Mitchell in midfield, with Lee Tomlin and Marcus Kelly on the right and left side respectively. The exciting pairing of Lee Phillips and Daryl Clare provided the attacking force.

Within a minute, a strong Peterborough side had their first chance. The dangerous George Boyd sent over a hanging cross, and Craig Mackail-Smith hit a powerful shot which seemed to be heading into the top corner, only for Marriott to pull out a magnificent flying save.

As the muggy heat seemed to be getting to the players, Lee Phillips showed his strength and power to muscle past Craig Morgan with a fine turn, before his 35-yard piledriver was palmed away by England squad member Joe Lewis, although it certainly stung his hand!

On 42 minutes, Diamonds seemed to get the break that they had wished for. Kelly and Mitchell worked together to create space, before the latter sent in a cross which found Daryl Clare’s head perfectly so he could nod home. For some reason, the linesman put up his flag even though Clare had to run past his marker, a decision that infuriated the fansd in line with the officical.

Just moments after, justice was done as Clare and Tomlin combined before Tomlin chipped the ball up to Jon Challinor, who, from about 25 yards out, struck a perfect volley that beat Lewis into the top corner, to give Rushden the lead just before half time.

Half-time: Rushden and Diamonds 1-0 Peterborough United

The extra fitness work in Portugal seemed to be paying off, as despite the incredibly humid weather, not a single change was made at half time.

Within 7 minutes of the restart, Posh were level, as new signing Gareth Jelleyman clumsily fouled Dean Keates 25 yards from goal. Keates himslef stepped up and curled the ball into the corner delighfully, giving Marriott absolutely no chance. This signalled a tempo increase for Rushden, although Rushden seemed nervous at the back, particularly when Sagi Burton took the ball out of Marriotts hands, conceding a corner in the process.

Michael Rankine and Dean McDonald then replaced Phillips and Clare, and used their pace and strength to their advantage against a tiring away defence. Osano and Tomlin sent two wayward shots wide, before Tomlin was inexcusably tripped just inside the box. Everybody inside the stadium instantly thought ‘penalty’ , bar the officials. This led to a loud voice from the home fans questioning referee Peter Walton’s Premiership standard.

With only 15 minutes left, Rushden scored what proved to be the match-winner. Dean McDonald received the ball to the left of the box, before tricking his way past the defender. He then promptly pinged the ball past Lewis’ near post from the nearest of angles, delighting the fans amongst the Peter De Banke Terrace.

Many would have thought that Peterborough’s reaction would be to barrage the home goal with shots, but the home defence marshalled them well. £5m-rated Aaron McLean saw an overhead kick fly wide, before Marriot was tested by Chris Whelpdale at his near post. However, the Diamonds hung on and lifted the Maunsell Cup.

Full-time: Rushden and Diamonds 2-1 Peterborough United

Attendance: 941 (Approximately 220 away)

Man of the match: Chris Hope

These appointments have been made as last seasons’ captain Chris Hope has stepped up to become player-coach, as well as helping Garry Hill with taking charge of training.

Powerful striker Smith, made his debut towards the end of last season after being spotted whilst playing for Corby Town Under 18′s. After several unfortunate attempts, Sam finally scored his first senior goal against champions Aldershot on the last day of the season, fittingly in front of an exuberant Peter De Banke Terrace.

Commanding midfielder Beecroft has made 9 first team appearances to date, including a short run in the first team at the end of the last season. Although he hasn’t yet scored, Jake has made numerous assists, and is definitely one for the future.

Thirty year-old Burton, a Barbados international, arrives at Nene Park following his release from League Two Barnet. Last season he captained the Bees in 32 matches, and he has previously played for Shrewsbury Town, Peterborough United, Port Vale and Crystal Palace, Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra, and he has earned a reputation as a tough no-nonsense centre back, who is sure to provide extra strength in defence this season.

27 year-old Jelleyman is a left-sided utility player whos’ preferred position is at left-back, although he can also provide depth at left-wing and centre- back. Jelleyman previously made 140 appearances at Mansfield Town in two and a half seasons, after starting his career as a trainee at Peterborough United. He turned down a new deal at Field Mill to sign at Nene Park.

Manager Garry Hill said,’ I am delighted to finally complete my squad for this season and I am as confident as ever that we will start well with a win at Eastbourne Borough. Sagi provides us with strength and experience, with Gareth filling in the current gap in left-sided defence.’