The pressure is on AFC Rushden and Diamonds in Saturday’s UCL Premier Division top-of-the-table clash, according to Holbeach United co-manager John Chand.
With the Tigers eight points behind the league leaders but having four matches in hand, Chand believes the onus is on Diamonds to win at Carter’s Park (3pm).
And he reckons that Diamonds’ capture of former Corby Town and Daventry Town striker Tommy Berwick last weekend shows how importantly they rate it.
Both clubs have applied for promotion at the end of this season – but only the league champions are guaranteed to go up.
“I don’t think we have to win it; I do think Diamonds have to win it,” said Chand. “If we win that game on Saturday, I think they are then in the position of not being able to afford to drop a point for the rest of the season.
“I think Diamonds will have to come at us.”
Lee Dube is the Tigers’ only injury worry. He hobbled off with a tweaked groin in last weekend’s FA Vase win, but is expected to be available.
Chand’s only other concern is that Diamonds’ huge following could turn it into a ‘home game’ for the Northamptonshire side. More than 450 saw last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sleaford Town.
The title-winning boss said: “It’s a game that will hopefully attract a lot of interest. It’s one of those occasions where you hope that a lot of people from the Holbeach area will want to be there and take a mate too.
“We need that kind of support behind us.”
He added: “Diamonds are top for a reason but both sides are good defensively and offensively.
“It has all the ingredients of a cracker!”
