Jones brace sinks Diamonds
By: Alun Thomas
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS:As the song says,
“We’ve Got To Get Out Of This Place”, but if we are to be seen as
serious promotion contenders then our away form has to improve. Come to
think of it, so has our home form, but only our second away win of the
season is a must today.
CONDITIONS:
Varying degrees of drizzle throughout.
SUM UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE SENTENCE:
It took us a long time to realise that Rushden were
there for the taking, but once the penny had dropped we were rarely in
danger.
TURNING POINT:
Jonah’s opener, eight minutes before half-time. It
gave us belief and saw home heads drop.
MAIN INCIDENTS AND GOALS:
 A bold team selection by Denis Smith saw us take the game to Rushden in
the early stages. A free-kick here, a corner there, but no real
penetration to hint at the pleasure to come. Ferguson and Holt were busy
as ever and the returning Whitley was a revelation, involved seemingly
in just about everything as we moved into the ascendancy. There was
brief cause for concern when Shaun Pejic, also back from a lengthy
absence, gave us a nightmarish glimpse of the Pej of old with a dreadful
backpass which fell straight to Diamonds’ leading scorer Drewe
Broughton, and only a combination of poor finishing and Ingy’s presence
prevented a goal. Otherwise Danny and Mike Williams dealt fairly
competently with most things thrown at them, including the new Boy
Wonder Lee Tomlin.
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In the second-half we saw a far
better display all round
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From Prodigal Dragon
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We went ahead on 36 minutes, Mark Jones unleashing an “out-of-the-blue”
25-yarder which flashed into the roof of the net, and went in at the
break comfortably the better side. Jon Walters came more into the game
as the half drew to a close and with any luck could have notched
himself.
As the rain came down in the second period, the large visiting support
was treated to the luxury of their side bossing a game. We had a couple
of scares – someone cleared off the line and Ingham needed hands like
flypaper to hold onto a Broughton drive – but overall we were as
comfortable as you can be at 1 – 0.
Young Marc Williams had the chance to wrap things up but crashed his
shot against the bar, but there wasn’t long to wait. Walters, whose
close control (for a big man) doesn’t get the credit it deserves, could
have gone for goal himself but wisely elected to set up Jonah whose
finish was consummate on 67 minutes.
Thereafter we were content to play the ball around although Jonah was
close to his hat-trick on at least two occasions as the home support
streamed away.
OPPOSITION AND FANS:
With Stockport and Torquay showing signs of stirring, the bell tolls,
one fears, for The Russians. A friendly club who have always treated
fans as human beings, the team isn’t cutting it. Their supporters,
hardly the most vocal even during the glory days, gave a passable
imitation of 2,000 church mice today.
OFFICIALS:
Well impressed. Mr. Parks and his men let the game flow and had no need
to resort to any cards.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
More contenders than usual. Jonah for his finishing, Walters for his
selfless running and distribution, and all three Williamses –
particularly Danny, the rock on which a large percentage of Russians
attacks foundered. However I’m going for Jim Whitley, a player of whom
I’ve been openly critical in the past. Today he was the Jim of old,
consistently finding the time and space to play those telling passes,
both short and long. He was outstanding last time we were in this
division and maybe, just maybe, he could be the catalyst as The Final
Countdown begins.
IF YOU WERE DENIS SMITH:
I’d be wondering whether I was a tactical genius or whether I’d just got
lucky with today’s selection. But as I poured myself another drink I
wouldn’t be wondering too hard…….
POST-MATCH THOUGHTS:
An enjoyable day and satisfying win, but let’s not get carried away.
There’ll be a lot of hard yakka between now and the season’s end.
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