Rushden & Diamonds

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Rayner: Kept a clean sheet

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Crawley 0-0 Rushden & Diamonds

Rushden & Diamonds had the better of the first half but were made to work to hold onto a 0-0 draw against Crawley Town in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday.

Justin Edinburgh's side started well and could have taken the league from any one of a number of early chances.

Marcus Kelly forced Crawley keeper Simon Rayner into a good save after the midfielder had played himself in off the head of teammate Michael Rankine. Kelly hit his shot well but could not beat Rayner with his low drive.

Tomlin came close again as the Diamonds continued to pass the ball around well. Rankine expertly set up his strike partner, who let rip from 20 yards. Rayner did just enough to make the save but had to turn smartly to stop the ball from rolling over the line.

The Reds were restricted to shots from distance and with Jon Shaw coming closest from a narrow angle midway through the half.

The second half was a different affair however, as the home side applied more pressure using the more direct long ball approach, that clearly unsettled their guests.

Crawley came close with 30 minutes to play as Chris Giles headed a Michael Malcolm freekick against the post.

But The Diamonds were not without their chances, as Chris Hope saw his deflected header beat the keeper but not the crossbar.

Crawley Town bookings: Giles.

Rushden & D'monds bookings: Osano.

Ref: R Whitton (Essex).

Att: 777.