Diamonds Frustrated – Hartley Wintney Take Closer Order

AFC Rushden & Diamonds hold a two-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik League South East table but endured a frustrating night at Hayden Road.

In front of a crowd of 469, Diamonds were held to a 0-0 draw by neighbours Bedford Town, who maintained their own outside play-off hopes alive.

It was a very competitive encounter but neither side were able to convert their chances.

Hartley Wintney moved to within three points of Diamonds after beating mid-table Thame United 2-0 at The Memorial Fields.

But similar to at Rushden, the Hampshire side were frustrated until the 87th minute when Jake Baxter broke the deadlock to score at the near post.

And in stoppage time, Paul Hodges made the points safe when he finished off a terrific through ball from James Tennant.

The games at Aylesbury FC, Hanwell Town and Moneyfields were all off, leaving the only other game on being between Marlow and Fleet Town which saw the visitors win 2-1, thanks to a Graeme Purdy penalty after the hour-mark and Brad Wilson 13 minutes from time, with Curtis Chapple replying 5 minutes from time.

Source Pitchero Non League