Rushden & Higham 2 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Youth
Rushden & Diamonds Youth Team started the first of their pre-season fixtures against men's opposition, as they prepare for the 2010/11 season.
The first game came 'away' at Rushden & Higham United, being played at Hayden Road, former home of Rushden Town Football Club before the merger to form Rushden & Diamonds.
The Youth side started brightly against the Rushden & Higham Men's team, with the better play of the first 15 minutes, the opening goal came somewhat against the run of play, 1-0 to Rushden & Higham as a breakdown in communication between Diamonds goalkeeper Broadbent and defender Phillips left an open man to roll the ball home.
Rushden & Higham made it 2-0 after 44 minutes, some good football led to a through ball to the right, with the striker making no mistake to slot the ball in with a one-on-one with the Diamonds keeper.
Half Time: Rushden & Higham 2 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Youth
After a very physical first half (more reminiscent of a cup game than a friendly), the second half started with much better football from the Diamonds Youth lads, as news of the first team's score at Ilfracombe trickled through to fans. Liam Read came close on 50 minutes after some slick passing moves led to him hitting the post.
Femi Solasi, a half time substitute came close again, with his deflected shot saved for a corner. The right hand corner floated over the crowd of bodies, only to be headed back into the mix for Morgan Phillips to poke into the net on 62 minutes to put the Diamonds back into the game.
The Diamonds equaliser came on 71 minutes, Femi Solasi using his strength to hold the ball up with his back to goal, playing it through to Dom Brennan to fire home the equaliser.
The winner came shortly after, and what a goal it was! Dom Brennan picked up on a loose ball just inside the attacking half, and wasted no time unleashing a powerful shot from all of 35 yards which sailed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance and winning the game for the Youth Team 3-2.
Full Time: Rushden & Higham 2 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Youth
Rushden & Higham Manager, and former Diamond - Aidy Mann.
