The Youth Team took full advantage of Southend and QPR not playing in the league at the weekend to move level on points at the top of the Puma Youth Alliance South East Conference thanks to a 1- 0 win away at Brentford.
With Joe Day, Lewis Hilliard, Aynsley McDonald and George Cox joining the First Team Squad for their game at Cambridge, there were a number of changes to the start line up from the previous week's draw with Peterborough.Michael Emery came in to replace Day in goal and Chris Kirby, Alex Phillips and Dan Easlea all got starts after good displays in the midweek comprehensive victory against Parklands Tigers.
Despite Nabil Shariff's initial call up and allocation of squad number 30 for the first team, it was then decided he would not be required for the Cambridge fixture - leaving him free to play for the Youth Team.
Brentford started well and forced an early free kick on the edge of the Rushden box but no-one could get on the end of the inviting cross.
As the game settled down, Rushden improved with Lewis Hallford and Easlea causing problems down the flanks and Sean Calcutt twice had goals from set pieces ruled out for offside with the second of these looking particularly unfortunate.
Just before half time, Brentford had their best chance which rebounded off of Emery's cross bar and away to safety.
Half Time: Brentford Youth 0 - 0 R&DFC Youth
Rushden continued to play well in the second half - Phillips and Freshwater looked lively in midfield and Hallford had a long distance effort saved by the home keeper.
Wigglesworth replaced Adam Sharpe on 61 minutes and he soon opened the scoring for the visitors with a neat finish from 12 yards.
Nabil Shariff had a great chance to extend the lead in the 77th minute but his effort was well saved by the Brentford Keeper.
Rushden played out the remainder of time with few scares to record a fourth victory in the league and take them into the FA Youth Cup clash with Northampton Town on Wednesday full of confidence.
Full Time: Brentford Youth 0 - 1 R&DFC Youth
Manager Paul Driver was pleased with the performance. "We did extremely well all around the pitch, especially with the four lads getting their chance with the First Team Squad. I thought the two centre halfs, Calcutt and Higgins, were both superb and kept their lively strikers under control. Michael Emery also had his best game in goal and thoroughly deserved his clean sheet"
Rushden Team: Emery, Evans, Kirby, Phillips, Calcutt, Higgins (Captain), Hallford, Freshwater, Sharpe (Wigglesworth 61), Shariff (Hayes 79), Easlea (King 89).
Sub Not Used: Watkins
