The Youth Team entertained Barnet at a foggy Nene Park on Saturday morning and got back to winning ways courtesy of a goal in each half in a comfortable 2 - 0 win.

There were a number of changes made to the line up as coach, Paul Driver, selected a team made up predominantly of first year scholars - indeed, only an unwell Dan Easlea of the younger group of players was missing from the starting eleven.

The game began evenly and Rushden adapted well to the changes in their line up, moving the ball well and creating a number of half chances which gave opportunities to McDonald, Cox and Shariff to open the scoring.

At the other end, Emery made a good block in Barnet's best effort on goal.

As the half drew to the close, Rushden took the lead when good link up play from Wigglesworth found Hallford and his first time cross was met by Nabil Shariff who made no mistake with his header from eight yards.

Half Time: Rushden & Diamonds 1 Barnet 0

Rushden lost the industrious Connor Hayes early in the second half as he was unable to shake off a first half knock and was replaced by Lewis Hilliard within minutes of the restart.

Following a foul on Adam Sharpe, it was Hilliard's well timed run which met the delivery from Hallford and he tucked his effort into the net from close range to double the lead for the hosts.

Barnet adjusted their formation to a more attacking 4-3-3 as a result of the goal but the home defence, well marshalled by McDonald and Higgins were only troubled once midway through the half when the visitors best effort saw the ball rebound back off of the crossbar and to safety.

Full Time: Rushden & Diamonds 2 Barnet 0

Afterwards, Paul Driver was satisfied with the team's performance. He commented "That was a much better display than in the previous game against Wycombe. We've have worked hard over the two weeks since that defeat with certain things and the younger players took much of this into the game which is pleasing".

He added "I was particularly pleased with Adam Sharpe and Chris Kirby who haven't had too much playing time recently and they've come in and probably put in their best performances of the season so far. The switch of Aynsley (McDonald) to centre back also had a positive effect on the defence with his talking helping them to be well organised - especially when Barnet threw extra bodies up front".

Rushden Team: Emery, Evans, Kirby, Cox, McDonald, Higgins, Hallford, Hayes (Hilliard 49), Wigglesworth, Shariff (Phillips 78), Sharpe.

Subs Not Used:Freshwater, Calcutt, King