The Youth Team inflicted the first defeat of the season on Wycombe Wanderers at Nene Park on Saturday with first half goals from Lewis Hilliard and Dan Easlea in a 2 - 1 victory in the final game of the Puma Junior Alliance Cup.Despite the win, however, Rushden will not progress to the knock out stages of the competition.
Lewis Hilliard plays the ball forward
The Rushden line up saw a number of changes from the team that had progressed to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup in the week with Joe Day, Alex Phillips, Chris Kirby, Nabil Shariff, Dan Easlea and Connor Hayes all getting starts having not played against Sileby Rangers.
Rushden started well and were ahead within the first five minutes thanks to a 30 yard strike from the left boot of Hilliard that went in off the inside of the post.
Nabil Shariff Heads
The lead was extended in the 19th minute when George Cox set up Hilliard and his shot from 15 yards came back off the post to Easlea who controlled it well and shot home from close range.
Jack Higgins shapes for a cross
Half Time: Rushden & Diamonds 2 Wycombe Wanderers 0
Connor Hayes on the ball
Wycombe responded well in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 68th minute with a neat finish from 8 yards.Shortly after this, Evans and Calcutt replaced the injured Kirby and Hayes for Rushden.
There were very few chances for either side in the rest of the half and Rushden held on to collect the three points,
Hallford wins the ball.......
Full Time: Rushden & Diamonds 2 Wycombe Wanderers 1
...... and goes on a run
Manager Paul Driver was pleased with the performance. He commented "We played well against a strong side and the lads that have come in have given me something to think about in terms of selection as we head back into the League programme and the next round of the FA Youth Cup".
"It's a pity that we haven't progressed in this competition but we were in a very strong group and have come back well from the two early defeats - especially the one at QPR".
Alex Phillips goes in for a tackle
Rushden Team: Day (Captain), Cox, Kirby, Phillips, Hayes, Higgins, Hallford, Hilliard, Shariff, Sharpe (Freshwater 89), Easlea.Subs Not Used: Emery (GK), Wigglesworth
Nabil Shariff controls the ball
