Rushden & Diamonds

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Rushden & Diamonds 1-3 Oxford Utd

Rushden & Diamonds were unable to make their home advantage count on Tuesday evening as Oxford United ground out a win thanks to the contribution of James Constable.

The Diamonds will certainly feel hard done by, after matching their opponents throughout the encounter.

However, it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 26th minute after a slow start to the match.

Chris Carruthers sent in a cross from the left wing which Rushden defender Michael Corcoran failed to deal with and Constable swivelled on the ball and fired a venomous shot into the bottom-right corner from deep inside the penalty area.

Oxford threatened to double their advantage in the 38th minute but Luke Foster saw his header go over the crossbar.

The hosts started the second period at a flying pace and missed a handful of good opportunities before drawing level in the 59th minute.

Lee Tomlin chipped a first-time pass to Robert Wolleaston, who beat Oxford shot-stopper Billy Turley to the ball and gently lifted it over the onrushing goalkeeper and into an unguarded net.

However, the Yellows stepped up another gear and were awarded a penalty ten minutes later when Chris Hope was adjudged to have fouled Constable in the box.

Constable kept his nerve and fired a powerful effort into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.

The Diamonds battled on valiantly in search of a equaliser but fell further behind when the indomitable Constable beat the offside trap and fed a squared ball to Simon Clist, who fired home with a routine finish.

Rushden bookings: Tomlin, Cousins, Robinson.

Oxford bookings: Foster.

Ref: I Smedley.

Att: 2085.