By Mark Taylor
November 30 2002

Rushden and Diamonds extended their 100% record to five games with another home win, this time over strugglers Bristol Rovers. Despite falling behind early on Diamonds responded to prevail 2-1 victors. Surprisingly, top scorer Duane Darby was left on the bench with Onandi Lowe and Robert Duffy starting in attack. Stuart Gray overcame a thigh strain to make the line-up.

Bristol Rovers included new signings Graham Hyde and Kevin Street in their line-up.

After only 12 minutes the visitors took the lead when Lowe was penalised for impeding Paul Tait. The resulting penalty was tucked away by Giuliano Grazioli. Diamonds responded just seven minutes later when Lowe made amends in dramatic style. The Jamaican international crashed home a terrific free kick from at least 35 yards to equalise. The scores were level at half time.

After the break Diamonds looked much the livelier and had a few legitimate penalty claims turned down. Lowe was looking extremely dangerous and was brought down inside the box a number of times by last-ditch tackles by the Rovers defence.

The home side took the advantage on 72 minutes. Paul Hall bundled in a corner following a spill by Rovers keeper Howie. The Diamonds held on for the final 20 minutes without the ever-reliable Mark Peters who was forced to leave the field after breaking his nose. The culprit was Latvian international Vitalijs Astafjevs who was lucky to escape with just a booking after, effectively, head butting Rhino.

Diamonds are still second placed in Division Three, four points behind leaders Hartlepool who beat Kidderminster 2-1. Manager Brian Talbot will now be favourite to win the Manager of the Month award for November because his side have a 100% league record for this month.

MOTM- Onandi Lowe- proved a handful yet again