The Youth Team have qualified for the knock out phase of the Puma Junior Alliance Cup by the narrowest of margins following a last gasp equaliser against Peterborough United at Nene Park last Saturday which puts them above local rivals, Northampton Town on goals scored.

Despite starting well and taking the lead in the 6th minute through striker, Jamie Osbourn before nearly increasing the advantage shortly afterwards through Sam Smith whose shot was blocked by the Keeper, Rushden were extremely fortunate to get anything from the game following a below par performance all round.

Peterborough deservedly equalised in the 14th minute when their winger was allowed to get in his cross which no-one cleared and an easy tap in at the back post levelled things up.

Half Time: Rushden & Diamonds1 Peterborough 1

Peterborough were dominant for the remainder of the half and, although there was a slight improvement in the second half by Rushden, it was the visitors who deservedly took the lead in the 66th minute when their player found space in the box from a corner to head the ball home.

Lewis Hallford had a great chance to level things up in the 93rd minute but took too many touches in the box and his effort was blocked. With time running out, Anthony Weston was left unmarked at the back post to tap in an equaliser even further into injury time to give Rushden the point that guarantees at least 5th place in the league and a spot in the last 16.

Full Time: Rushden & Diamonds 2 Peterborough 2

We now face a tough away trip to play Swindon Town on November 24th.

Rushden Team.Day, McDonald (Hallford 74), A Phillips, Beecroft (Captain), Higgins, Calcutt, Freshwater, Smith, Osbourn (Wigglesworth 71), Hilliard, Watts (Weston 74).

Subs Not Used: Buss, M Phillips