Opposition Rushden were relegated from the Football League at the end of last season, ending their 5 year stay in the Football League. as little as 2 and half years ago Diamonds were in fact in League One (it was probably actually called Division 2 then) and so they have had a bit of a fall from grace. Saying that, the club were only formed in 1992, as an amalgamation of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds. This may sound similar to the situation with our own club, but in all honesty, I don't think either of the two clubs making up the Diamonds had a tradition or history like those making up Dagenham and Redbridge.
Rushden were expected to feature in the top half of the table this season but at the moment are struggling towards the bottom. They are also recently parted company with experienced manager Paul Hart, and are currently looking for a permanent manager. However, they did record an impressive 3-0 home victory over Halifax in the FA Cup last weekend.
Past Visits
The Daggers only visit to Nene Park was in the early part of the 2000/2001 season. In an excellent game the Daggers were unlucky to lose 2-1 as Diamonds went on to lift the Conference title. Even I remember rightly, scorer for the Daggers that night was the legend, Timmy Cole!!!! Even earlier in the season (two games against same side before end of September!?!?), the Daggers were beaten more easily, 2-0, at Victoria Road.
Ground
One of the best we will visit all season, in many ways the best. This ground is the business. Built by Max Griggs' millions, the facilities at this place are the envy of many clubs playing at a higher level. When we visited 6 years ago we were in the AirWair stand, behind one of the goals and it appears this will be the same this season. This stand had all it's own facilities for away supporters, including a bar and a bookies.
The rest of the ground is neatly built, with seats along the two sides, and a smart terrace at the far end. Ground also has scoreboards, executive boxes etc.
Travel
Although this is not a long journey for Daggers fans, it is only really reachable by road, not by public transport, with the nearest station being over 4 miles away!!!! By road you want to head up the M11 and then across the A14. I would imagine this will take somewhere between 90 minutes and 2 hours from the Dagenham area. The Upminster Daggers will be travelling by minibus with Chappie Cabs at the wheel!!!! With two Supporters Club coaches nearly full up and many more driving up, there should be around 200 Daggers fans in attendance.
Prediction
It's a tough one to call. Daggers confidence will have been dented slightly with their two recent defeats, while Diamonds will be trying to impress any potential new managers. This should even up the form table and I would go for a 2-2 draw.
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