Rushden & Diamonds

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Northwich 4-2 Rushden & Diamonds

Relegation-threatened Northwich Victoria bounced back to winning ways with a morale-boosting victory over 10-man Rushden & Diamonds at Victoria stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Northwich midfielder Joel Byrom was the man of the hour as he netted a superb hat-trick to help his side record their first win in over five months.

The Vics started brightly and claimed the lead after 13 minutes when Byrom latched onto Luke Joyce's centred cross and headed the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Rushden tried to claw their way back into contention but saw their chances diminish when full back Michael Corcoran was shown a straight red card for a horror tackle on Luke Horrocks in the 38th minute.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 55th minute when Byrom met Matt Crowell's free kick in the box and fired a shot into the bottom-right corner.

However, the Diamonds rallied well and pulled one back through a Michael Rankine penalty after Horrocks was adjudged to have fouled Lee Tomlin in the box.

Northwich were still reeling from that setback when Rushden drew level four minutes later.

Robert Wolleaston unleashed a wonderful volley from just outside the penalty box which smashed into the underside of the bar before crossing the line.

But the Vics weren't done yet and reclaimed the lead when Byrom netted his third of the game with a 25-yard effort that flew through a packed box an into the back of the net.

Andy Preece's side completed the rout in 71st minute when Luke Joyce collected John Allan assist pass and swept the ball past Rushden goalkeeper Dale Roberts.

Northwich bookings: Grand, Perry.

Rushden bookings: Tomlin, Burgess, Smith.

Sent off: Corcoran (38).

Ref: M Brown.

Att: 687.