Rushden & Diamonds 2 Stafford Rangers 1
Nationwide Conference
At: Nene Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 1837
Stafford Rangers actually moved up one place to 13th in the Nationwide Conference Table despite suffering their first defeat of 2007. They went into the game level on points and goal difference with Northwich who lost 3-1 and now have an inferior goal difference.
At the impressive Nene Park stadium, Rushden took control of the game with two goals in quick succession early in the second half. Rangers claimed a foul in Olaoye in the build up and ended up Cook drilling a low shot past the diving Alcock from just outside the area in the 52nd minute. Rushden doubled their lead two minutes later. Unmarked Jackson headed home a deep from Beardsley at the far post.
Rangers got a way back into the game in injury time when Olaoye reduced the deficit but couldn't find an equaliser. He slotted home a rebound after Diamonds' keeper Tynan saved a penalty from Grayson.
Rushden & Diamonds (red/red/red): Scott Tynan, Jon Ashton, Chris Hope (capt), Mark Albrighton, Wayne Hatswell, Jamie Cook, Gary Mills, Glenn Wilson, Marcus Kelly, Simeon Jackson, Chris Beardsley. Subs: Michael Rankine (for Cook, 76), Paul Watson (for Jackson, 82), David Perpetuini (for Kelly, 86), Martyn Margarson, Lee Tomlin.
Stafford Rangers (white/black/black): Alcock, Sutton, Daniel (capt), McAughtrie, Murray, R. Gibson, Murphy, Talbott, Oldfield, Olaoye, Grayson. Subs: Madjo (for Oldfield, 68), Lovatt (for R. Gibson 68), Edwards (for Murphy, 72), A. Gibson, Williams.
Referee: I. Smedley (Derby).
Attendance: 1,837.
