[quote=“WHS” post=70738]We never looked in danger but did not play well in first half. Roll on Saturday.
WHS.[/quote]
We were by far the better team in the first half but after we scored then they went down to ten men in the second half we got a bit nervy and they played very well for ten men (it’s never easy against ten men they say) without threatening us too much. Their keeper made a super save in the first half and Danny one in the second. I thought we deserved the win and am so proud of this team of lads, Carl and all his team COME ON THE ALBIOOOON!!
A really great team win, not overly fluent but everyone pulling together, should have scored in that 20 min spell before HT but the Witton defence was superb the back 5 never really put a foot wrong and the midfield and strikers worked there socks off, obviously missed Williams at the heart of midfield not that Prince didnt do well ! he had a great game, but it just seems to unbalance us a bit in other areas. Onto saturday now to do all over again put that effort in again and we will do OK great bunch of players to support because they give everything they have UTA
we are in the final and all to play for. We know how Spalding will play on sat so we know what we are up against. Tonight we were composed scored one and but for 2 tremendous saves from the R&D keeper it could have been more. But all that matters is we are at home on Saturday. It will be tough, but we CAN do this and this team will give their all.
Agree with that CJ, will Williams be fit for Saturday? Prince had an excellent game tonight but I think he is even more effective out on the right as he frightens full backs to death with his pace. And the balance doesn’t seem quite right somehow without Williams at the heart. Having said that Carl will know exactly what to do on Saturday and who is anyone to argue, this team have done us more than proud all season and to win the final would be the cherry on the cake. UTA
AFC Rushden & Diamonds were narrowly defeated at Witton in the Northern Premier First Division South play-off semi-final on Tuesday evening.
The first half was largely tense and nervy, understandable in a play-off game, with both sides limiting each other in terms of concerted possession, momentum and clear-cut opportunities. A loose ball almost dropped for Diamonds top-scorer Nabil Shariff in the area before the keeper was able to collect, and for the hosts midfielder Will James saw a shot go harmlessly wide of the post. Rushden in particular were pressuring the Witton men quickly in the defensive and midfield areas, and they looked pretty comfortable for the opening 35 minutes without creating too much as an attacking force themselves. However, Albion upped the pressure in the final 10 minutes of the half and went close to scoring on a number of occasions. Firstly Anthony Brown hit a looped effort that forced Matt Finlay to tip over the bar, and then Thomas Owens curled a left-footed effort well over the top. Moments later a cross from the right found Owens in space in the area, but his downward header towards the corner of the net was superbly palmed away by Finlay. Seconds afterwards a cross from the left found Bradley Bauress to half-volley towards goal, and Finlay reacted brilliantly to tip the ball up and onto the crossbar before the danger was eventually cleared away. The half-time whistle was blown shortly later, with the late pressure on the Diamonds goal alleviated by the half-time break and all still to play for in the second period.
Ross Oulton was introduced at half-time in place of Ollie Brown-Hill, and the early exchanges of the half were very similar to those of the first half with both teams still searching for the all-important opening goal. Diamonds had a bit of pressure as Shariff shot wide and a couple of long-throw opportunities caused some danger, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. A long ball over the top by full-back Anthony Gardner found striker Rob Hopley running in behind, and he beat Finlay to the ball to flick it past the keeper and into the back of the net. Though it was understandably a big setback to Diamonds’ game-plan, there still remained a lot of time to get back into the tie, and Farrell soon saw a shot parried after he had found room on the edge of the box. Rushden were dealt another setback shortly afterwards, though, as they were reduced to ten men. Midfielder Dan Quigely dived into a midfield challenge with Steve Tames as he attempted to win the ball back, but his feet left the ground. The referee, therefore, subsequently blew and issued a red card to the Diamonds man. To their enormous credit this didn’t seem to affect the visitors much, and they went on to control much of the late possession and territory as they strove for an equaliser. They had to ride their luck as a free header at the back post went wide of the mark for the hosts, defender Callum Westwood cleared an effort off the line and Will Jones had a header straight at Finlay, but Diamonds gave everything up the other end. Their best chance came when substitute Jack Bowen glanced a header wide from a Sam Brown cross, and despite Lorraine hitting a shot wide and Brown seeing a last-gasp effort fly over the crossbar, Witton defended stoically and were able to see out the game. They will go on to face Saplding United in the final on Saturday, and Rushden’s promotion hopes are ended. Diamonds, however, can hold their heads up immensley high after a performance of true heart, spirit and courage, with a never-say-die attitude on show throughout
Couldn’t make last night , can’t think the last time I was as nervous as the two hour period when the match was on.
Full credit to everyone, no matter what happens it’s been an absolute privilege this season .
Walked in the door at 0200 after completing what turned out to be a 7 hour round trip from north Lincolnshire and back due to the M62 being closed (could probably name every street in Oldham now) but was worth every minute. Great result hopefully same again Saturday.
Congratulations to players, management and ground staff for getting this superb result. It was an epic display of determination from the whole team to get this result, aided by the superb condition of the pitch. We had 11 mom out there last night, it is hard to single an individual for this accolade. Let’go on now to Saturday and finish the job. Witton for promotion. UTA
Hi, just went to register and found out I still have an account from nearly a decade ago! :laugh:
Well done on your win Tuesday, I’m working at Stoke Hospital so it was easy for me to come up and visit for the match, seems weird to think our playoff match was 10 years ago this year! Only second time since then that I have been back (the other was our preseason no-show a few years back). Enjoyed the match, Rushden perhaps started the stronger but by half time you were on top, second half after the goal you were fairly comfortable though was a little worried that you hadn’t killed it off earlier… though well defended in the end!
Good luck in the final, unfortunately I’m on call this weekend so won’t be at Wincham Park or the New Bucks Head.
By the way, I have a programme from the match, if anyone on here didn’t get one and wants it for their collection PM me and I’ll post it across to you.
Is it 10 years? I remember we had a wedding booked into the social club on th same day, and we couldnt move it. The bride and groom came out at half time and walked around the pitch! I think the attendance was about 2800, but I maybe wrong.
UTA