Star out to make sure Diamonds don’t sparkle

Northern Star hope they can continue to be the bogey side of United Counties League Premier Division big-guns AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Star collected four points from two games against runners-up Diamonds last term – the best return of any club in the division – and they are chasing another positive result when they clash atChestnue Avenue on Saturday.

Co-boss Darren Jarvis said: “We proved last season that we could compete with top sides at this level – a point highlighted by the four points we collected against Diamonds.

“I think it is fair to say that both teams have strengthened for the new season and we’ll certainly be looking for another positive result.

“If we display the same attitude, work-rate and ability that we have done so far this season, there is no reason why we can’t take something from the game.”

Defender Jonny Clay and in-form striker Phil Stebbing both serve suspensions after dismissals on the opening day of the season while Shane Tolley has departed Star to start a new life in Dubai. The onetime Posh striker appeared three times in the last few days to help Star to back-toback league wins and FA Cup success.

They breezed past lowerlevel side Team Bury 3-0 last Saturday with Luke Hunnings, Stebbing and Avelino Vieira finding the net. Star host the same team in the opening round of the FA Vase later in the season.

Ukranian striker Jurij Mychalczuk could get his first taste of competitive football against Diamonds providing international clearance is finally received.