AFC R+D are a phoenix club borne out of the ashes of the original Rushden & Diamonds and are experiencing their 5th season at senior level as a new club and their first season in the Northern Premier League.

The first season saw them in the United Counties League Division 1 and a runners-up spot saw them gain promotion to the Premier League. A third place finish in 13/14 was followed by winning the title in 14/15 and promotion to Step 4. Last season at Step 4 they played in the Southern League Division 1 Central and finished in 5th place and a play-off spot. They reached the play-off final against St Ives Town and were a few minutes away from promotion until a last-gasp equaliser saw and an extra-time winner saw the Saints dash R&D's hopes of a third promotion in 4 years.

This season has seen them take a sideways step into the NPL and they have acquitted themselves well and currently occupy 5th place and are looking good for another play-off attempt. Points on the road have come easy to them with 11 wins 2 draws and 3 defeats giving 35 points whereas at home they have struggled with just 5 wins in 17 garnering 23 points.

As for Drayton, our 4 match winning streak came to an end at Newcastle Town last week with a 2-0 loss which leaves us in 16th place. A top-half finish is still possible with 7 matches left, safety is assured for the season with Rugby, Loughborough and Northwich Victoria battling it out for one to survive and two to drop.

We are expecting a large crowd for this fixture so would advise supporters to arrive early. It should make for a good atmosphere as the visitors travel well in supporter numbers.

Saturday's match is sponsored by the Fox and Hounds at Cheswardine. A thank-you to Mike and Rachael for their support. The match ball is sponsored by Bankcliffe Ltd Landscape Solutions, many thanks to them too. We appreciate all the forms of support we receive, support through the gate, sponsorship, advertising, volunteering etc. There are many ways to help this great football club continue to provide a level of football the town and North Shropshire can be proud of.

Play up Drayton!

Sat 18th March... Drayton v AFC Rushden & Diamonds @ Greenfields k/o 15:00