Three goals in the final six minutes meant that the Youth Team were heavily defeated away to QPR on Saturday in the Puma Junior Alliance Cup.
QPR took an early lead when a corner to the back post was nodded towards goal by German and although the first effort was saved, the same player reacted quickly to slam the ball home.
QPR continued to have the better of the earlier play without increasing their lead but the Rushden came into the game more and had a few chances in the last 15 minutes of the half to draw level.These fell mainly to Lewis Hilliard who saw good efforts in the 30th and 40th minutes just shave the post and then Bulmer in the QPR goal saved well in the 42nd minute to deny the midfield man.
Half Time: QPR 1 Rushden & Diamonds 0
Early exchanges in the second half were fairly even and there was no change to the scoreline until the 74th minute when the hosts increased their lead through Bailey following a wide free kick.
Sharpe, Calcutt and Freshwater replaced Sharif, Hayes and Kirby respectively as changes were made to rest players and give others playing time and it was one of the new players, Freshwater who had the best chance to pull one back for Rushden but saw his effort in the 82nd minute saved by the impressive Bulmer.
After this, came the three goals that made a harsh sounding scoreline at the end of the match.A combination of some clinical finishing and slack defending allowed Parker (2) and Ehmer to add to the QPR tally.
Full Time: QPR 5 Rushden & Diamonds 0
Afterwards, Paul Driver commented. "While we certainly didn't deserve to get anything the game, the three goals right at the death put an unfair tilt on the scoreline. I don't think they could have complained much if we had gone in level at the break and it wasn't until the last 10 minutes that we got outplayed to the extent that the scoreline suggests"
"Still, I've learnt about the team, it's make up and the individuals within it from this week and I need to put things right for the FA Youth Cup game on Tuesday and the next two games in this cup which we now have to win to advance in the competition".
Rushden Team: Emery, Evans, Kirby (Freshwater), Cox, Hayes (Calcutt), Higgins, Hallford, Hilliard, Wigglesworth, Shariff (Sharpe), Easlea.
Sub Not Used. Phillips
