AFC Rushden & Diamonds won the Supporters Direct Shield following a penalty shoot
out, after Hinckley AFC had held the United Counties League Premier team to a 2-2 draw at
their Dog & Duck ground.
Matt Gearing gave the Diamonds an early lead finishing from close range from a downward
header from Russ Dunkley. Hinckley equalised soon after through Tyrone Clark-O'Connell
when he ran inside off the wing and fired a shot in from the edge of the area, which beat
Matt Finlay with the help of a deflection. Diamonds went back in front just before half
time, Dunkley this time scoring a looping header over Ben Astley. After half time Astley
did not reappear and it transpired he had been carrying an injury after a knock at the
start of the game, with no keeper on the bench defender Gregg Webb came on and played
the second half in goal. With the season starting this week, both sides dropped the
intensity level, and with the game drifting towards a Diamond victory, Hinckley snatched
a draw right at the end. Justin Nisbett converted a deep cross from a tight angle to level
the scores 2-2 and send the game to penalties. Webb had done well as a stand in keeper
but couldn't save any of the penalties, whilst Finlay saved two and Diamonds won the
Shield. |