By Mark Taylor
November 9 2002

A persistent Rushden and Diamonds side overcame Third Division strugglers Darlington with two goals in the final 12 minutes including a terrific turn and finish by Onandi Lowe. The surprise inclusion in the Rushden line-up was the return of skipper Paul Underwood who was believed to be out for a minimum of four weeks. This meant demotion to the bench for utility man Gary Setchell. David Bell started on the right, as expected, with Stuart Gray occupying the left-wing position.

Lowe nearly opened the scoring in the opening minute but goalkeeper Collett was equal to his headed effort. That was Diamonds best chance of the half although Grays left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area went narrowly wide. Darlington should have taken the lead through Neil Wainwright when he latched on to Underwoods weak pass back. However, Turley did enough to ensure that the Darlington mans lob went wide.

As the half-time whistle was blown the referee, Andy Hall, took some deserved verbal abuse from the Diamonds faithful after making several dreadful decisions during the first half. These included the cautioning of Lowe for trying to reach a header.

At the start of the second-half both sides had a number of chances none were taken until a good move on the edge of the box resulting in Onandi Lowe breaking the deadlock. Neat work from Gary Mills and Stuart Gray, on 78 minutes, released the Jamaican international in the box. The "big man" turned past he defender onto his weaker right foot before lashing a shot past the despairing Collett.

The win was made sure following a comical own-goal. Matt Clarke passed the ball back to his keeper who was expected to clear. Unfortunately for Darlington, Collett lost concentration and allowed the ball to slip through his legs and into the goal.

The game finished 2-0 to Rushden who consolidated their position as 2nd placed team in Nationwide Division Three.

RATINGS-

Turley 9 kept Diamonds in the game with a brilliant save at 0-0
BIGNOT 9 equally effective in defence and attack
Underwood 8 sound return
Peters 8 solid
Hunter 8 getting better after a shaky start to the campaign
Bell 8 comfortable
Gray 7 strayed inside too often
Mills 9 brilliant
Wardley 6 does not do enough to earn the kind of money he is on
Lowe 8 superb goal
Darby 8 worked hard again