Peterborough Sports have had the perfect start ahead of mouthwatering FA Cup derby, Deeping hope to dazzle Diamonds

Action from Peterborough Sports' win over Welwyn. Sports are in blue. Photo: James Richardson.

The city team have launched their debut Southern League Division One Central campaign in fine style, following up a 1-0 win in a Saturday opener at Berkhamsted with a 2-0 home triumph against highly-fancied Welwyn Garden City on Tuesday night.

Lewis Hilliard grabbed the only goal in the curtain-raiser, but then missed the victory against Welwyn which was earned by Josh McCammon’s first Sports strike and an own goal.

Dean said: “Starting the season with two wins is very pleasing, but there is a lot more to come.

Yaxley manager Andy Furnell pictured with the Emirates FA Cup. The trophy was at In2itive Park yesterday for photo opportunties. Photo: Alan Walter

“We played well in the first half at Berkhamsted and only had one goal to show for it when we could easily have been three or four up, but we didn’t come out in the same way in the second half and that was disappointing to see.

“Tuesday night was a bit of a reverse as we started a little slowly, gradually got on top and produced a really good performance in the second half.

“I don’t think we got out of second or third gear on Saturday, but we probably got up to fourth gear at times against Welwyn in what was a proper test. Ultimately we were just too good for them.”

Sports now face a mouth-watering FA Cup preliminary round clash at Stamford tomorrow (August 25). The Daniels have also made a great start with back-to-back Northern Premier League Division One East wins.

Yaxley manager Andy Furnell and some of his players are pictured with the Emirates FA Cup. The trophy was at In2itive Park yesterday for photo opportunties. Photo: Alan Walter

“It’s going to be a real test against Stamford,” added Dean. “It’s a derby game and has the makings of a great cup tie.

“We know we’re not going to win the FA Cup, but we’re like everyone else in that we’d like to have a decent run in it as it can really create interest and build the fanbase.

“The fact we had a crowd of just over 200 on Tuesday shows we’re doing all right in that respect.”

Sports then go to Yaxley for a Bank Holiday Monday league derby providing neither team is involved in an FA Cup replay.

Yaxley are at Daventry in their FA Cup tie tomorrow. They’ve started their league programme with a 4-1 win over Barton Rovers and a 3-0 defeat at title fancies Bedford.

Deeping Rangers represent the local United Counties League clubs in the FA Cup tomorrow and their reward for a win over Holbeach United in the last round is a cracker of a contest against AFC Rushden & Diamonds at the Haydon Whitham Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Higher level Diamonds are one of the best supported clubs in the region so a bumper crowd is expected for the preliminary round tie.

FIXTURES

Saturday, August 25

FA CUP

Preliminary Round: Daventry Town v Yaxley, Deeping Rangers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Spalding Utd v Wellingborough Town, Stamford v Peterborough Sports, Northampton Sileby Rangers v Wisbech Town.

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: Bourne Town v Birstall United, Huntingdon Town v Raunds Town.

THURLOW NUNN EASTERN LEAGUE

Division One North: March Town United v Leiston Res, Wisbech St Mary v Haverhill Borough