The Youth Team welcomed in form Leyton Orient to a windy Nene Park on Saturday for their Puma Junior Alliance League clash and the game ended in a 1 - 1 draw with both sides netting in the second half from set pieces.
Rushden made just one change to the side that finished the Northants Youth Cup victory over Kettering in midweek with Alex Phillips replacing Lewis Hilliard in midfield. George Cox continued at right back due to an injury to Ben Nunn from the aforementioned game.
Half Time: Rushden & Diamonds Youth 0 - 0 Leyton Orient Youth
A goalless first half was probably a fair reflection of the period but it was Rushden who started the second half brighter and took the lead when Anthony Weston netted from a free kick from just outside the box in the 50th minute.
The lead was shortlived, however, as Orient hit back in the 55th minute from a corner which was headed home at the back post.
Rushden had the best chance to seal the game in the 82nd minute when Alex Phillips found space in the box following a corner but put his effort over the top from 12 yards.
Full Time: Rushden & Diamonds Youth 1 - 1 Leyton Orient Youth
Rushden Team:Day (Captain), Cox, McDonald, Beecroft, Higgins, Calcutt, Hallford, Smith (Wigglesworth 42), Tidswell, Phillips (Hilliard 86), Weston (Easlee - triallist 55).
Subs not used: Hayes, Knighton (GK)
