Shepshed Dynamo return to The Dovecote on Saturday 20th December as they host AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, in the final home fixture of 2025 and the last game before Christmas.

Dynamo come into the contest looking to respond after a late 1-0 defeat at home to Coleshill Town, where a stoppage-time goal denied Shepshed a point following a scrappy affair.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds also arrive off the back of defeat, having gone down 3-1 at home to Carlton Town last weekend, with Tyler Winters scoring the Diamonds’ goal.

It was a summer of significant change at Hayden Road. Michael Harriman departed as manager and was replaced by Elliot Sandy, who arrived after previously guiding Spalding United to the NPL Midlands title. Sandy oversaw a major rebuild, bringing in several high-profile additions including Gary Mulligan, Tyler Winters, Olly Brown-Hill, and Joel Nketia.

Last season’s meetings proved positive for Dynamo. A 0-0 draw at The Dovecote in August was followed by an impressive 3-0 away victory, with goals from Tristan Dunkley, Louis Samuels, and Tayo Tucker. Rushden went on to finish the 2024/25 campaign in 14th place, collecting 49 points.

The reverse fixture this season came on the opening day, finishing 1-1. Dynamo took the lead through Jesse Friend, before Tarik Dallas quickly equalised. Shepshed were forced to play the final half hour with ten men following Cyprian Mtenga’s dismissal, but held firm to earn a point.

Since that meeting, Rushden have continued to reshape their squad, adding Dan Jezeph, Bruce Tsinonis, Jeremy Kyezu, Will Russell, and Jack Daldy, among others.

The Diamonds currently sit 15th in the table, with 27 points from 21 games, just one point and two places behind Dynamo. Their recent form includes defeats to Carlton Town, draws with Basford United and Lichfield City, and victories over Coleshill Town and Rugby Town.

There’s a familiar face in the visitors’ ranks, with Joel Nketia having made seven appearances and scored twice for Dynamo during the 2022–23 season.

Matchday Information

Admission at The Dovecote is £10 for adults, £7 for concessions, £5 for under-18s, £3 for under-16s, and free for under-10s.

A printed matchday programme is available upon entry for £2.50, packed with news, stats, and features on the opposition.

Don’t forget to grab your Goalden Goal ticket for just £1, with £10 prizes for both the first and last goals of the game.

The club shop will be open before kick-off and at half-time, selling Dynamo merchandise and a range of retro programmes.

We will also have our Christmas Raffle held in the clubhouse after the game, so feel free to stay and have a drink whilst watching the draw!