The Youth Team's recent unbeaten run came to an end with a 2 - 1 defeat away to Colchester United on Saturday - but there were a number of positives to take from the game as the side put up a determined effort against a strong Colchester line up and could count themselves unlucky not to have snatched a draw at the death.
With the quality of the surface at the Garrison B Ground causing concern to both sides, the game was never going to be a passing spectacle although both teams did try to play wherever possible in a goal-less first period.
Colchester's best chance saw a brilliant goal line block from Aynsley McDonald denying them the lead and Dan Easlea went close for Rushden from a free kick while the linesman's flag denied Lewis Hilliard a goal.
Half Time:Colchester United 0 Rushden & Diamonds 0
The second half started with Colchester having the upper hand and they deservedly took the lead early on when their striker, Fabian Quinton, broke clear of the defence and lobbed the ball over the oncoming Joe Day.
The lead was extended by the impressive Jeremiah Olusanya in the 64th minute when he produced a quick turn of pace to burst clear and put his shot into the bottom corner of the net.
In an attempt to get back into the game, Rushden switched to playing 3-4-3 with McDonald making way for John Wigglesworth and James Freshwater replacing Easlea on the left side of midfield.
The switch of formation had the required effect as Rushden pulled a goal back soon after when Wigglesworth got onto the end of a precise cross from Hallford to finish from 12 yards.
Rushden pushed hard for the equaliser in the final quarter of an hour driven on by Beecroft and Tidswell in central midfield, forcing a couple of good saves from Colchester Keeper, Jack Smelt, and then having a goal ruled out at the death when they got the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble only for the referee to rule that Sam Smith was offside.
Full Time: Colchester United 2 Rushden & Diamonds 1
After the game, manager Paul Driver commented "Given the poor state of the pitch and the strength of the opposition, I am extremely pleased with the effort and endeavour put in by all of the players today - especially given that we had three Under 16 players in the start line-up.We worked hard all game and particularly in the final quarter where we did our best to take the game to Colchester and I think we were unlucky not to get something from the game".
"All of the players put up good performances but I was particularly pleased on the day with Sean Calcutt at the back and Lewis Hilliard is starting to put in more consistent performances and was unlucky not to rewarded with a goal for his efforts".
Rushden Side: Day (Captain), Nunn, McDonald (Wigglesworth 68), Beecroft, Calcutt, Higgins, Hallford, Tidswell, Smith, Hilliard, Easlea (Freshwater 68).Subs Not Used: Phillips, Weston
