Rushden and Diamonds assistant manager Michael Stone is delighted by the team's dedication and work rate in their pre-season campaign so far.

Diamonds are unbeaten in their last friendlies and also defeated League One side MK Dons 2-1.

Stone told BBC Radio Northampton: "The results are secondary, but we're delighted with the goals and the players' determination.

"Each game means something, and the players' attitude has been top notch."

Striker Aaron O'Connor has scored five goals in pre-season, including the two goals against MK Dons.

"Aaron's work rate has been excellent, he puts in a shift for the team. It's obvious that we've signed a player who enjoys playing on the shoulder of defenders, and he's shown that with good service, he can be clinical in front of goal."

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The Diamonds strikeforce has also been bolstered with the loan signing of Cliff Akurang from Barnet and Stone hopes the 28-year-old will be well supported by the team's wingers.

"We've got more crosses coming in from Matt Pattison and James Reid than maybe we've had in the past. And they don't just switch sides, they'll also come looking for the ball.

"I still think it will be a really tough season, but I'm glad nobody's talking about us as title favourites - it's better not having that weight of expectation. Hopefully we'll surprise a few people," he added.

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