Rushden & Diamonds

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Rushden boss Justin Edinburgh

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Histon 0-1 Rushden

Rushden & Diamonds kept their play-off aspirations alive despite being reduced to ten men against Histon at the Glassworld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Stutes will have every reason to be unhappy with the result after creating enough chances to at least earn a share of the spoils.

The visitors started brightly with striker Lee Tomlin forcing debutant Histon goalkeeper David Knight into a save in the seventh minute.

And their early pressure paid dividends as the referee pointed to the penalty spot two minutes later after Adam Tann tripped Rushden's Aaron O'Connor in the area.

Tomlin fired home the resulting spot kick and Rushden came close to doubling their tally in the 17th minute but Max Porter fired over the crossbar from just inside the area.

Histon were struggling to impose themselves on proceedings but finally got a clear sight on goal in the 35th minute, only for an unmarked Daniel Wright to head Gareth Gwillim's corner over from close range.

However, Rushden were reduced to ten men just one minute later after Nick McNamara's dangerous challenge on Lee Smith.

Histon striker Charlie Sheringham had a glorious opportunity to bag his first goal for Histon just moments later but fired straight at Diamonds 'keeper Dale Roberts.

The home side continued to create chances after the break and should have drawn level in the 55th minute but Sheringham scuffed his shot after latching onto a Glen Southam through ball.

Rushden were defending their slender lead with a dogged determination and did well to frustrate Histon's attackers in the closing stages of the match.

Histon had a great chance to get themselves back on even terms in the dying moments of the match but substitute and debutant Andy Pugh fired wide of the target.

Histon bookings: Hudson-Odoi.

Rushden bookings: Louis, Robinson.

Sent Off: McNamara (40).

Ref: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

Att: 583.