Rushden & Diamonds

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Diamonds captain suspended

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Histon v Rushden & Diamonds

Histon welcome Rushden & Diamonds to the Glassworld on Wednesday night and will be eager to put two successive league defeats behind them.

Stutes manager Alan Lewer described his side's performance on Saturday in a 3-0 loss against Kidderminster as "poor from start to finish" according to the Histon FC website. He will have his work cut out in getting an improved result against an impressive Diamonds side.

Histon will be without Lanre Oyebanjo for the match with the full-back on international duty with the Ireland Under-21s. The Stutes otherwise have a fully fit squad available.

Diamonds have conceded only one goal in their last five outings with centre-half Simon Downer telling the Evening Telegraph: "We've got an understanding at the back and everyone is working really well together." He was speaking after the 0-0 draw with Kettering Town on the weekend.

Michael Corcoran was replaced in defence by Curtis Osano against the Poppies but should return at right back due to the suspension of skipper Jamie Stuart. Downer has full confidence in both players, saying: "I'm really happy to be playing whoever is in the defence."

Stuart starts a two-match ban along with holding midfielder Paul Terry. Downer conceded that the two senior players will be missed: "It's a blow for the team to lose two experienced players who are good talkers."

"We've got a lot of young players in the side and not enough people like Jamie or Paul," admitted the centre back.

Kick off at the Glassworld Stadium is at 19h45 on Wednesday night.