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AFC Rushden and Diamonds were the visitors for our latest Northern Premier League game. The visitors were yet to score a point in their league campaign but City had to be wary that this would be no walkover.
And it was the Diamonds who started the brighter of the 2 sides, creating some early chances, Pharrell Anderson cutting in from the right and firing his attempt across goal just missing the far post. The away team were dominating the attacking play but without really causing any concern for the back four which featured the Impressive debut of Harry Dawson at right back, The Cambridge United Academy recruit has joined us on a month's work experience and stepped in to replace fellow academy player Pat Staszewski who was out with a toe injury.
City's first chance of the match fell to Centre Back Taylor Parr. After Dan Cotton's out-swinging corner went deep to the far post, Parr lost his man and headed goalwards, only to see his effort blocked on the line and cleared.
As the half wore on, City started to up the pace but it was Rushden who came closest to scoring, a cross into the box found striker Will Jones unmarked on the penalty spot, his free header crashed off the bar and went behind for a goal kick.
Rushden then had a really good shout for a penalty for handball but the referee waved away the appeals.
10 minutes into the second half, and Bradley Rolt was brought down on the edge of the box after a surging run, up stepped Mikey Davies with this Golden Left boot, in a replica of the goal he scored at Harborough earlier in the season, Davies lifted the ball over the wall and into the top corner giving keeper George Rose no chance.
Another Penalty shout for the away team but the highlights show that is was a perfectly timed tackle from Dawson.
Both sides had their chances in the second half but were unable to convert them, including a penalty to City after a clear handball in the box. Dan Cotton stepped up but the keeper did well to get a hand on his powerful effort and Stef Broccoli was unable to convert the follow-up.
To Rushden's credit they kept coming forward right to the end but were finding it difficult to get passed the City back line and when they did Joe Welch answered the call to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
Not our most convincing performance but Rushden are a better team than their league positions suggests, a good 3 points in the bag and the boys get a well-earned rest this week before we move on to our next game away to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday 14th.
Our best wishes go to Lewis Darlington who hobbled off in the second half with what looks like a serious Injury after an awkward fall.