Defence is keeping Diamonds in the hunt: Read Mark Lea's view
The last two games have told us much more about Rushden & Diamonds' promotion prospects.
Successive 1-0 away wins at Histon and Tamworth proved there are extra qualities within Justin Edinburgh's squad.
It's impossible to perform well every week. At times you have to dig in and show resilience against the odds.
The free-scoring form by Diamonds has provided plenty of positives so far this season.
Now the defensive strength is keeping them in the play-off pack.
The 6-1 wins at Barrow and Hayes & Yeading United were wonderful to watch in terms of entertainment and attacking football.
But there can be satisfaction from seeing a hard-fought victory as well.
Being successful is not simply about scoring lots of goals because keeping clean sheets will always be important in picking up points – particularly in below-par performances.
Diamonds' only attempt on target at Histon was Lee Tomlin's penalty. Yet they held onto the lead for the final 50 minutes following Nicky McNamara's red card.
Unfortunately family commitments meant that I was forced to miss the trip to Tamworth – although it sounded like another display full of determination all over the pitch.
Max Porter had spoken 48 hours before the game of his desire to get a first goal of the season and he duly delivered with the late winner at The Lamb.
We must remember that those two wins have come without the services of
experienced trio Jamie Stuart, Paul Terry and Rob Wolleaston.
It must have been a difficult decision for Edinburgh over his starting line-up against Gateshead at Nene Park this afternoon.
That's what he's paid to do and it's far better than the team picking itself.
Strangely enough it's probably easier to put Terry back in as the defensive midfielder while Stuart's return to the back four would be harsh on whoever is left out after two clean sheets.
With 11 games to go, overall it's looking very promising for Diamonds to stay in the top five.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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