Saturday 14th October 2006

Vics 4 v 1 Rushden & Diamonds

It could be argued that this performance was no better or worse than many of the previous home performances at the Victoria Stadium this season, but on this occasion Vics both took the opportunities they had created while finally enjoying a little more good fortune than had previously been the case.

Having said that, Dodds showed the value of converting your opportunities at this level while Gareth Griffiths defied previous criticism to produce an outstanding display at the heart of the home defence.

To get a goal ahead was clearly the major key to today’s outcome and at last Vics were able to achieve that task. Allan, Brayson and Battersby combined to force a corner and from the Elliott kick Dodds was able to send a weak clearance back into the danger zone allowing GRIFFITHS to tower above everyone and score with a perfectly placed header. A reply from Diamonds was virtually immediate and Chillingworth cut in from the right only to have his shot parried by Senior.

Gallimore responded with a calculated challenge and pass that almost set up Dodds but his final effort was comfortably saved. An identical end product was achieved from a long range Battersby attempt as Vics continued to probe a vulnerable Rushden defence. And that vulnerability was further exposed in the 38th minute when an Elliott free kick was knocked on by Griffiths for BRAYSON to score a well-earned goal.

A more than welcome home win was virtually secured three minutes later from another set piece when a GALLIMORE free kick was allowed to find its way into the net without intervention from defender nor keeper. That we have defensive frailties of our own were quickly highlighted but Senior did well to save from the unmarked Berry from 6 yards and then the same player wasted a second opportunity to reduce the arrears from a similar distance just before the break.

The visitors proved themselves to be a little less accommodating immediately after the resumption and after Senior parried a Berry shot JACKSON followed up quickly to reduce the arrears. But concerns that this was going to be a prelude to yet another home disappointment were very quickly dispelled by home debutant DODDS who gained possession down the left channel some 25 yards from goal to curl a precise shot into the far top corner of the net.

From this point the game appeared to be won and, to be frank, Vics offered little more. Senior had to make saves from Jackson and Rankin but even then Vics again rallied towards the end and Allan and then the outstanding Brayson came close to completing a rout but his one on one run was kept out by the Diamonds keeper.

Attendance: 853
Man of the Match: Gareth Griffiths