Seven of the starting eleven were involved in last years 2-1 defeat against the Cobblers and were looking to avenge that loss - Northampton had five players who were involved. Centre back George Artemi was out through injury.

Northampton started strongly with most of the play in the Diamonds half during the opening fifteen minutes, but neither side was able to create any clear cut chances. Matt Evans produced a saving tackle as Town's Thomas McGowan threatened the Diamonds goal to clear any danger.

Adam Sharpe had Diamonds first effort on goal after 18 minutes, shooting wide from long range as they started to get into their stride. Town conceded several free-kicks and Joshua Urquhart was booked for a foul on Nabil Shariff, and it was from a free-kick that Diamonds took the lead on 26 minutes. Lewis Hallford floated the ball into the area, the ball being headed back out. Connor Hayes sent the ball back in and as Jake Gillingwater challenged the keeper, the ball fell loose for Nabil Shariff to fire home from close range.

Northampton nearly leveled on 37 minutes after Michael Jacobs struck a fierce free shot, producing a brilliant one handed save from James Broadbent, but Diamonds had the upper hand. A slip by Ben Islam allowed Sean Shields to slip the ball to Hallford. As he raced towards goals, he forced a good save from keeper Paul Walker. The resultant corner saw two efforts from Shariff blocked on the line before the ball was cleared. Shields also had a shot saved by the keeper.

Half-time: R&DFC U18s 1 - 0 Northampton Tn U18s

Dan Easlea replaced Connor Hayes at half time as Diamonds looked to consolidate their lead, but the visitors came out strongly with Alex Konstantinou shooting wide. On 54 minutes, Diamonds came close the increasing their lead but Walker produced a brilliant save to deny George Cox. Sean Shields followed up by slotting the ball home, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Shields.

Northampton drew level on 62 minutes when the defence failed to deal with a long ball into the Diamonds half. Alex Konstantinou powered forward, past the keeper and fired home from ten yards.

Diamonds had the chance to go back in front three minutes later when Lewis Hallford skipped past Islam and was brought down in the area by Luke Cray, but Matt Evans sent the spot kick over the bar.

Several players went into the referee's notebook for strong challenges including Jake Gillingwater who up-ended Malachi Farquharson, and Alex Konstantinou who was lucky not to receive a second caution, but Diamonds continued to press forward. With fifteen minutes remaining, another Hallford free-kick found Easlea on the left, and his cross was headed inches wide by Morgan Phillips.

Shields came close moments later after he met Hallford's cross, the shot being deflected into the side netting. Shariff headed at the keeper from the corner. Cox also blasted over from 25yards and Shields went wide as the game headed for extra time, but there was some concern just before the end of the 90 minutes as Adam Sharpe was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg.

Full time: R&DFC U18s 1 - 1 Northampton Tn U18s

Diamonds continued to press in extra time and Shields forced another save, shooting from a narrow angle early on. Town's Farquharson had an effort straight at the keeper, before another defensive lapse led to a second Northampton goal. Gillingwater dwelled on the ball close to the half way line, and was dispossessed by Alex Konstantinou. He raced away towards goal and shot past Broadbent to give Northampton the lead.

Diamonds tried to reply before the end of the first half of extra time but Shariff's shot was deflected wide. The second period saw further chances with Evans heading wide, before the best chance on 114 minutes as a long ball forward found Shariff. The striker struck a fierce shot that looked to be going in, but the ball struck an outstretched leg and the post as Diamonds luck was out. Northampton played out the remaining six minutes to earn a place in the second round.

AET: R&DFC U18s 1 - 2 Northampton Town U18s

Teams:

Rushden & Diamonds U18s: 1/James Broadbent, 2/Matthew Evans, 3/Morgan Phillips, 4/George Cox, 5/Aynsley McDonald(c), 6/Jake Gillingwater, 7/Lewis Hallford, 8/Connor Hayes (12/Dan Easlea HT), 9/Nabil Shariff, 10/Sean Shields, 11/Adam Sharpe (14/Callum Earls 87). Subs not used: 15/Lewis Wilson, 16/Liam Read, 17/Kyle Swailes.

Northampton Town U18s: 1/Paul Walker, 2/Liam Ruddock, 3/Ben Islam (12/Charlie Death 73), 4/Malachi Farquharson, 5/Joshua Urquhart, 6/Luke Cray(c), 7/Michael Jacobs, 8/Thomas McBride, 9/Will Green, 10/Alex Konstantinou, 11/Thomas McGowan (15/Greg Kaziboni 67). Subs not used: 14/George Dukes, 16/Mihai/Gherasim.

Referee: Mr B.O'Sullivan

Goals: Nabil Shariff 26 (1-0), Alex Konstantinou 62 (1-1), Alex Konstantinou 97 (1-2).

Bookings: Joshua Urquhart 25 (foul), Alex Konstantinou 53 (foul), Jake Gillingwater 72 (foul), George Cox 90 (foul), Aynsley McDonald 105+1 (foul).

Sent Off: Jake Gillingwater (119 - second yellow card).

Attendance: 432.