The Youth Team were beaten 1 - 0 away at QPR on Saturday but can take away a number of positives from close encounter against the champions from the previous two campaigns which saw their first league defeat since the opening day of the season.

Manager, Paul Driver, made four changes from the start line up against Northampton Town in midweek with Aynsley McDonald, Connor Hayes, Dan Easlea and Adam Sharpe replacing Alex Phillips, James Freshwater, John Wigglesworth and Nabil Shariff.

The hosts started much the brighter and deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute through striker, Antonio German.

After this, the game became more equal and Rushden had a couple of chances through an Adam Sharpe shot and a Jack Higgins flick from a Lewis Hallford free kick.

Half Time QPR 1 Rushden & Diamonds 0

The second half continued to be a close, but scrappy affair with minimal chances at either end.

Michael Emery was called upon to tip an effort from Ehmer over the bar midway through the half in QPR's best effort.

Wigglesworth and Shariff then replaced Matt Evans and Sharpe on 65 minutes and Rushden had a couple of chances to level things up - firstly through Hilliard but he put his shot over and then through Wigglesworth whose header from Shariff's inviting cross went agonizingly wide in the final few minutes.

Full Time QPR 1 Rushden & Diamonds 0

Paul Driver was positive despite the defeat. "QPR are a very good side and were probably stronger on paper today than when we got beaten 5 - 0 down there in September so I am really happy with the team's performance. After the nervy start, we settled down, competed well and took part in a close encounter against a side that will be right up there at the end of the season. We could even have sneaked a draw through Wiggie right at the end!".

"These are the sort of games where you measure your progress and I am pleased with how far we've come - 7 out of the 10 outfield players who started the game (including the entire midfield) were 1st Year Scholars which is very encouraging for me".

Rushden Team: Emery, Evans (Shariff 65), McDonald, Cox, Higgins, Calcutt, Hallford, Hayes, Sharpe (Wigglesworth 65), Hilliard, Easlea.

Subs Not Used. Phillips, Freshwater, Kirby