By Mark Taylor
September 22 2002

Again Rushden struggled against a relegated side but showed great spirit to twice come from behind to earn a draw versus a strong Wrexham team inspired by ex-Swansea boss Denis Smith. Diamonds were forced to make changes to the team that was beaten by Bournemouth with Scott Partridge replacing the injured Duane Darby and David Bell was given a full debut in place of Stuart Gray and Andy Burgess who also picked up knocks. The Wrexham team included former Manchester United youngster Darren Ferguson.

The Dragons started the game strongest and took a deserved lead when Hector Sam’s cross found Carlos Edwards unmarked to head home past a stranded Billy Turley. Diamonds were playing with ten men after Barry Hunter left the field for treatment on a broken nose. Shortly after John Dempster made his 10th appearance this season replacing Hunter.

Diamonds equalised shortly before the interval courtesy of a neat finish by Paul Hall from close range following a deflected Onandi Lowe free-kick. Earlier Lowe had tested Wrexham ‘keeper Andy Dibble with another curling set play.

After half-time Diamonds were the stronger team and for a period of about 10 minutes dominated the game. They nearly took the lead when Partridge just had to tap the ball in the gaping net but, amazingly, his effort was weak and the score remained 1-1. As a result, Wrexham took the lead again thanks to a cool finish from striker Andy Morrell who rounded Turley before slotting home from a tight angle.

Paul Hall was the hero for Rushden after equalising on 79 minutes. Onandi Lowe showed great composure in the visitor’s box to set Hall free to the right of the goal. The Jamaican international finished superbly, nipping past Dibble and scoring in front of a delighted De Banke.

In the last 10 minutes both teams had opportunities to win the game but the match finished level with two goals apiece. Talbot’s gamble, bringing off the luckless Partridge for Daniel Talbot, paid dividends as the Diamonds’ unbeaten home record stayed intact.

Turley 6- exposed by some shaky defending
Mustafa 7- excellent going forward, a little suspect in defence
Underwood(c) 8- Captain Marvel once again
Hunter 6- left early with a broken nose
Peters 7- looked good until taken off with a knee gash
HALL 9- superb, fully deserves international recognition
Bell 7- sound debut
Mills 8- gets better and better
Wardley 7- instrumental in preventing Wrexham extending their lead
Lowe 8- Re: Mark Lea – he does care, set up Hall beautifully
Partridge 5- how did he miss? Lacking confidence and needing a goal

Subs-

Dempster 9-outstanding, will play for Scotland
Talbot 7- looked sharp
Setchell 6- sound return