Northampton Town U18s 0 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds U18s

After a number of recent defeats ended during the past week with a draw at Barnet on Saturday and a midweek win over Brentford, Diamonds youth team produced a superb team performance to beat Northampton Town. A second half strike by John Wigglesworth on a cold sunny morning at Moulton College was enough to beat their arch rivals.

During a fairly even first half, the home side had greater possession, but Diamonds were quick to close down and had the better chances on goal. On 28 minutes. Lewis Hilliard went just wide from a Ben Nunn free-kick while Andrew Tidswell fired just over the bar moments later. John Wigglesworth also came close with a turn and shot just before the break.

The home side came out strong at the start of the second half, but Diamonds defence looked composed and Joe Day made a couple of good saves to keep the scores level. Northampton's best chance came just after the hour when Day looked beaten, but the ball cannoned off their own defender and was cleared away. Jake Beecroft gradually took control of the midfield and the match as Diamonds looked stronger during the last half hour.

As Diamonds pressed forward, Jack Higgins, Sean Calcutt and Lewis Hilliard all came close, but the breakthrough finally came on 76 minutes. A long ball out of defence saw John Wigglesworth race forward from just inside the halfway line and take the ball towards goal. Having held off a challenge, he took the ball inside and fired past the Northampton keeper.

Despite the rather over enthusiastic celebrations, Diamonds kept their composure to see out the remaining time and record their 5th League victory of the season. 

Team:

Joe Day, Ben Nunn, Aynsley McDonald, Jake Beecroft, Sean Calcutt, Jack Higgins, James Freshwater, Andrew Tidswell, John Wigglesworth (Morgan Phillips 90), Lewis Hilliard (Alex Phillips 87), Anthony Weston.