Altrincham

E-mail Article Print this story

Rushden boss Justin Edinburgh

Related Links

• Teams
• Altrincham

Rushden 0-1 Altrincham

Altrincham defeated Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park on Saturday to move up to seventh in the table, just one point off the play-off places.

Tom Kearney scored his second ever goal for the club with a fantastic free-kick in the dying minutes of the game.

A strong wind ensured the football on display was patchy at best with Matt Pattison enjoying Diamonds' two best chances of the first half.

The first came in the form of a dipping shot from the left that was well saved by Stuart Coburn in the Alty goal before Pattison shot over the bar after a mesmerising run.

Altrincham failed to create any meaningful chances with Chris Senior's late shot doing little to trouble Nathan Abbey in the home goal.

The Robins should have taken the lead after the restart when Senior had time and space to pick his spot after a good break forward by Chris Denham but he hit his shot too early, allowing Abbey to save easily.

Aaron O'Connor hit the side netting as Diamonds went in search of a goal but it was Alty who broke the deadlock after a sending off in the 81st minute.

Simon Downer was given his marching orders for a foul on Nicky Clee with Kearney scoring from the resultant free-kick that deflected low into the net.

The Diamonds failed to find a way back into the match as James Reid missed a good chance before a penalty claim by Sam Smith was waved away late on.

Rushden & Diamonds bookings: None.

Sent Off: Downer (81).

Altrincham bookings: Denham, Senior.

Att: 1168.

Ref: Wayne Barratt.