By rob
September 8 2002

Stuart Gray’s first half double help the diamonds on their way to extend their 100% home record this season against Southend united, and also return to the top of the league, in what was an excellent all round performance. This game lived up to it’s expectation as Southend came looking for a result, but Rushden were too strong for them on the day, and the 3-0 scoreline was justified, but it could have been more.

Inside the 1st four minutes the diamonds could have taken the lead when a 30 yard shot from Mills hit the bar in a move which he started by winning possession. Then a few minutes later a penalty was awarded when Lowe was brought down inside the box, and Gray slotted the ball home from the penalty spot for his first of the afternoon.

Lowe was well marked by the shrimpers defence and was regularly fouled by Leon Cort, but he did get in a few chances, one notably when his free kick went narrowly wide of Flahaven’s goal, before Gray’s 2nd goal came on 33 minutes with a stunning volley around the 6 yard box, from Halls cross near the touchline sfter he’d received the ball from Darby.

Hall’s 25 yard free kick went just wide just before half time, and former Rushden striker, Mark Rawle saw his effort hit the side netting.

HALF TIME: RUSHDEN 2 SOUTHEND 0

The 2nd half started brightly and another chance for Mills to score within 2 minutes but his strike hit the post, it was bad luck to hit the woodwork twice in a game. Wardley saw an effort easily gathered by the shrimpers keeper, and Hall saw his shot on target cleared off the line by Cort.

Southend did have their chances. Testfaye Bramble curled a shot wide of Turleys goal, and a Smith volley was well saved by the diamonds number 1.

Smith was to be denied again by Turley with a brave block at the midfielders feet but Lowe released the ball to Hall to wrap up the points on 80 minutes. With Southend looking to get themselves back into the game left themselves open at the back.

2 minutes later, Paul Underwood blocked a cross from Graeme Jones, but was adjudged to have handled the ball and the resulting penalty was well save by Turley when he dived to his left to keep the ball out. The deflection met Mark Rawle only for him to fire a close range shot well over the bar.

A consolation goal couldn’t come for the shrimpers and with an outstanding performance from all the Rushden players, compared to last weeks, at Cambridge, the point were well deserved.

FULL TIME: RUSHDEN 3 SOUTHEND 0