Grant Frustrated as Diamonds Find Cutting Edge

Rugby Town boss Grant Joshua gave a brief but direct assessment following Tuesday’s defeat away at AFC Rushden & Diamonds emphasising his frustration with recent performances and the need to reset ahead of Saturday’s derby.

Rugby Town boss Grant Joshua gave a brief but direct assessment following Tuesday’s defeat away at AFC Rushden & Diamonds emphasising his frustration with recent performances and the need to reset ahead of Saturday’s derby.

The 0-2 defeat at Hayden Road saw an improved performance from the previous outing at Bedworth but ultimately Valley fell short as they failed to score for the first time in 18 games.

Joshua said there was little between the sides on the night but his team are currently losing games where margins are small: “Putting 50% in and getting 100% out doesn’t exist. Well done to Elliot Sandy & Rushden who won a game where there wasn’t anything in it but we’re losing these kinds of games far too often.

“I sound like a broken record again, we switched off in our box from a second-phase corner and then conceded late chasing the game.”

The manager kept his review short, intentionally, stating that the result was put behind him immediately: “It’s not a game or night I’ll dwell on, it was out of my mind at 10:30pm on Tuesday.

“I’m not happy with our last three or four games, but maybe it’s brought a few back down to earth who thought we wouldn’t lose again. If complacency creeps in you’re done. No team can put in 50% and expect 100% back — it doesn’t exist.”

Joshua’s focus now switches firmly to the weekend — one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the local calendar. “I’m incredibly looking forward to the derby. One club steeped in history with fantastic support and years of memories higher up the pyramid — and the other, Rugby Borough, newer and riding the crest of a wave with experienced players.”

“It’s a fixture the town has been waiting for, and I’m no different.”

He expects Borough to view Valley’s recent results as encouragement but issued a reminder of what his side are capable of. “Our form suits Rugby Borough and they’ll be rubbing their hands together but they also know that if we click, there’s not much they can do to stop us.

“With the supporters behind us, it’ll be hostile and exactly what a derby should be. If I could hand pick a game right now, it would be this one. The lads have no choice but to turn up and derby day demands it.”