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.’

Rushden created the first clear-cut chance early on, as Lee Tomlin continued to run at the defence. Tomlin managed to beat two defenders, before his skimming low cross was rushed away from the advancing Dean McDonald. Lee Phillips then fought for the ball with Bradley Orr, and his strength and persistence allowed him to create a run on goal. Adriano Basso managed to deflect the ball away, but Dean McDonald could only scoop the ball harmlessly over the bar. The Diamonds defence was rarely troubled, with the exception of the classy Michael McIndoe, as the confident Alan Marriott took every ball cleanly. Marcus Kelly then had a 25-yarder blocked by the City defender, before the Diamonds scored the only goal of the game. Dean McDonald harried the error-prone Orr into a mistake, before he took the ball forward and fired an unstoppable shot in off the post. This seemed to bring Bristol into life, as new-boy Sagi Burton made an excellent saving tackle on Frankie Artus, and, even when Dele Adebola was put clean through, the cool Marriott rushed off of his line to smother the attempt.

Half-time: Rushden and Diamonds 1-0 Bristol City

The Robins made 9 changes during the interval, including bringing on Kevin Betsy and Steve Brooker for more aerial presence. But the Diamonds defence was simply too good. Brooker did have the ball in the net, but the whistle had gone for offside long before his effort. Michael Corcoran executed a brilliant saving tackle to deny Betsy, before he was replace by Jon Challinor. Lee Tomlin continued to threaten, and his flying shot flew past the post. McDonald was then replaced by Daryl Clare, who immediately brought Chris Weale into a fine save after the strikers clever turn and shot. Jamie McGuinness replace Tomlin before Marriott was force to make a save from Daniel Nobles tame effort. Marcus Kelly dribbled his way to the byline and fed Phillips, but his effort from just 6 yards was miscued into the ‘keepers hands. Michael Rankine then replaced Phillips, before Curtis Woodhouse had to hoof the ball off of his own line from a lingering cross. Bristol City fans thought that they had equalised in the 91st minute, but it took them several seconds to realise that Lee Johnson’s shot had gone inches wide, and not into the goal.

Full time: Rushden and Diamonds 1-0 Bristol City Man of the Match: Sagi Burton

Attendance: Approximately 150 (20 Rushden fans)

Although it was only a friendly, Garry Hill must be feeling aggrieved that his side let a lead slip 3 times in the searing heat of the Algarve coast. The Portuguese second tier side provided a stern test for the Blue Square Premier 4th favourites, although it must be taken into account that the opposition are used to the humidity that the match was played in.

Manager Garry Hill started with a similar side to the one that steam-rollered Halstead Town just 5 days earlier, with Alan Marriott continuing his goalkeeping duties. Triallist Justyn Roberts lined up with player-coach Chris Hope in central defence, with Scott Mitchell and Gareth Jelleyman providing cover on both flanks. Lee Tomlin continued his role as the right-sided midfielder, with Marcus Kelly attacking down the left channel. Last seasons ever-present Jon Challinor partnered Michael Corcoran in central midfield, with Michael Rankine partnering debutant Daryl Clare up front.

Rushden started the brighter of the two sides, as Lee Tomlin caused trouble down the right before laying the ball of to Daryl Clare. A deft touch beat his marker, before his clever chip narrowly went over. However, Rushden soon took the lead on twelve minutes, as Clare was fouled for the 3rd time in a short period of time. Clare sent in a curling ball, and Chris Hope managed to knock the ball across the goalmouth for Michael Rankineto run onto and nod home.

However, the lead lasted only 10 minutes, as a ‘Hollywood’ cross caught out Scott Mitchell, leaving the home striker in acres of space for a simple tap-in. Michael Rankine was then unlucky to see an acrobatic overhead attempt fly a few yards wide.

Shortly afterwards, trialist Gareth Jelleyman was forced to leave the field of play with a cut to the eye that required a trip to the local hospital and four stitches. Phil Gulliver replaced the injured left-back, and swapped positions with Justyn Roberts. Lee Tomlin started to show his competitive edge by squaring up to his opponent after a fierce tackle that followed lots of pushing at every opportunity. Michael Rankine continued to hold the ball up well, but couldn’t bring any clear-cut chances.

Half time: Portimonense SC 1-1 Rushden and Diamonds

Chris Hope practised his coaching ability during the half-time interval in the assistance of Garry Hill, trying to drive the team forward. Meanwhile, Curtis Woodhouse, Jamie McGuinness and Lee Phillips replaced Jon Challinor, Marcus Kelly, and Michael Rankine. This gave the dozen or so Diamonds fans the chance to watch the eagerly anticipated pairing of Phillips and Clare in action.

This change brought immediate rewards with a goal just 3 minutes into their partnership. Lee Phillips showed his level of tenacity to win possession, before skipping around 2 bewildered defenders. His cross from the byline eluded the goalkeeper, and was then met with a flying scissor-kick from Daryl Clare into the opposite corner that even sent the local home fans into a rapturous applause.

This signalled immediate changes as Sagi Burton replaced Hope, as well as Dean McDonald replacing Daryl Clare. These changes led to an unsettled defence, allowing Portimonense to produce a square pass across Sagi Burton, leaving the home striker with the goal at his mercy, and he duly slotted home. Jake Beecroft then replaced Scott Mitchell.

Most fans in the ground expected the game to fizzle out as a 2-2 draw, but Lee Tomlin didn’t think so as two strikes in as many minutes were blazed over. Tomlin showed his compettive streak once more, upsetting his markers in the process, forcing Garry Hill to replace him with Sam Smith. However, Diamonds took the lead for a third time as Dean McDonald ran at the defence, before finding Curtis Woodhouse in space. Woodhouse took one touch before crashing the ball in off the post from 25 yards for a brilliant goal.

Phil Gulliver then headed danger away from the goalmouth, but the home side were unable to convert what looked like a decent chance. But, once more, Portimonense equalised with what was this time an undisputable defensive error. A careless ball down the middle was left by Burton for Alan Marriott, but the pair couldn’t communicate properly allowing a home striker to nip in and put the ball into an empty net from the edge of the area. This sort of error was inevitable considering the two had only known each other for 2 days.

The Diamonds had one final chance as Curtis Woodhouse slid the ball to Lee Phillips, but the hard working striker was caught fractionally offside.

Full Time: Portimonense SC 3-3 Rushden and Diamonds

Man of the Match: Daryl Clare

However, in his place, Rushden have signed 18-year-old Jamie McGuinness on a free transfer from troubled Luton Town. The right sided midfielder, who had a loan spell at Aldershot last season, has signed on a one year deal after limited opportunities last season. Also, Rushden have announced that youngsters Lawrence Lambley and Ben Nunn have been released.

The difference in quality was obvious at Rosemary Lane as Garry Hill named a team consisting of experience, young talent and triallists. In heavy rain, Rushden lined up in their red kit, with Alan Marriott in goal, Curtis Osano at right-back, and triallists Justyn Roberts, Sagi Burton and Gareth Jelleyman making up the rest of the defence. Lee Tomlin and Marcus Kelly provided the attakc from either flank, with Scott Mitchell and captain Curtis Woodhouse controlling the middle of the park. Lee Phillips partnered Dean McDonald up front.

It was no surprise therefore that Diamonds soon dominated the action. Tomlin produced a mazy run full of silky skills and a cheeky nutmeg, gaining a corner. Kelly whipped in a great corner which found Sagi Burton unmarked at the far post, but the goalkeeper deflected his header around the post. Shortly before the 15 minute mark, Rushden took the lead, as Tomlin and Osano worked together down the right. Lee Phillips gathered the ball just inside the box, and he unselfishly laid the ball off to Scott Mitchell, who rifled the ball in the far left corner. Just 8 minutes later, Diamonds scored again, as Tomlin and Phillips combined once more, but this time the ex-Torquay man set up Dean McDonald who slotted home from the penalty spot. Lee Tomlin then started to show some style with twists and backheels, and he scored a brilliant goal from his own work after 25 minutes. Tomlin twisted his marker inside out, before running into the box and fired the ball easily into the right hand corner. Dean McDonald continued to threaten the home defence with his speed and strength, and his stinging shot was palmed wide by the ever-busy Richard Wood. The resulting corner was taken by Marcus Kelly, who found Lee Tomlin at the far post who smartly headed home.

Half-time: Halstead Town 0-4 Rushden and Diamonds

With the result in the bag, manager Garry Hill made significant changes during the break. Phil Gulliver and Michael Wylde replaced Roberts and Burton, and Jamie McGuinness replaced Tomlin on the right. Andy Burgess replaced Kelly on the left, Jake Beecroft came on for Mitchell, and Michael Rankine replaced Lee Phillips up front.

The start of the second half was largely uneventful, with the new set of players taking time to get used to the difficult conditions. McGuinness provided a great cross for Michael Rankine, who somehow managed to miss the target from 6 yards. Just when it looked as though the game might fizzle out, Rushden went goal crazy. Beecroft executed a brilliant lofted ball to Rankine who nodded the ball to Dean McDonald, before the striker slotted the ball home from an incredibly tight angle. Hill made the final round of subs with Joe Day replacing Marriott in goal, Chris Hope replacing Woodhouse, and Roberts returning to replace Jelleyman. Marcus Kelly also reappeared to replace Burgess, who hobbled down the tunnel.

Chris Hope tamely struck the wall with his trademark free-kick, before he had his header cleared off the line. However, Rushden did get their sixth goal when Curtis Osanos’ left footed piledriver was flicked in by Dean McDonald. There was still time for one last goal, as a long run by Michael Rankine was halted in the box by a Halstead defender, before Rankine dusted himself off to convert the penalty.

Full-time: Halstead Town 0-7 Rushden and Diamonds

Attendance : 104 (51 away)

Man of the match: Dean McDonald

Marriott started his career with Tottenhams youth team before joining Lincoln City, where he quickly established himself as ‘hot property’, winning the Young player of the season award in his first season. The fans’ favourite went on to make 395 appearances, holding the club record for the amount of clean sheets he kept- 106 in 351 league matches.

Manager Garry Hill commented,’ Alan has a wealth of experience in the Football league and has been a bing part of Lincoln City’s promotion push over the last few seasons- he will be a massive asset here at Nene Park.’