Saturday 2nd February 2008 at the Shay Stadium
(FA Trophy - 3rd Round)
Diamonds left it late to secure a victory in the FA Trophy as a goalless draw and replay looked on the cards. But a goal from Lee Tomlin three minutes from time and another from Michael Rankine deep in to stoppage time were enough to seal a place in the quarter final draw on Monday.
Garry Hill made three changes from the side which lost at Burton Albion on Tuesday night. Loan signing David Brown from Accrington Stanley was given the No.9 shirt and replaced Simeon Jackson, who had been signed by
Halifax manager Chris Wilder was forced into changes due to the suspension of captain Tom Kearney after receiving a fifth yellow card last weekend, while Nottingham Forest loanee Tom Sharp was injured. Returning from a five match suspension after his third red card of the season was Anthony Griffith (on a season long loan from Doncaster Rovers), while there was a welcome return for Brian O'Callaghan after missing several games through injury. Recent signing from
Diamonds kicked-off wearing their yellow kit towards the visiting fans with the pitch looking in good condition after the snow of the previous night had been cleared during the morning. After just four minutes,
Phil Gulliver was an early entry into the referees note book for what appeared to be a pretty innocuous foul on
Although Halifax had more possession, Diamonds tried to quell any further attacks by closing down quickly and started to create some chances themselves. A mix up between Brian O'Callaghan and Adam Quinn on 22 minutes provided David Brown with an excellent opportunity to open his account for Diamonds, but he scuffed his shot with the keeper at his mercy. Moments later at the other end, Nelthorpe saw Dale Roberts slightly off his line, but his chip went wide of the goal.
Tom Shaw had a free kick was deflected away from goal as Diamonds tried to put some pressure on the home side. On 38 minutes, Shaw's ball forward found Rankine, and after beating a defender sent a cross in to the centre. Marcus Kelly was well positioned in the middle, but with the goal gapping, he sliced the ball over the bar from 10 yards.
Half-time: Halifax Town 0 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds
The second half started brightly with
Neither side were able to create opportunities and although the home defence looked slow on occasions, Diamonds were unable to exploit their advantage. It wasn't until the 79th minute that there was another chance on goal. Lee Tomlin had replaced debutant David Brown minutes earlier and with his arrival came the chance for Diamonds to take advantage and get behind the defence. Burgess set Curtis Osano down the right and the full back cut inside and pushed the ball up to Tomlin. The keeper was fortunate to save Tomlin's shot with his feet.
A long ball from the back then found Tomlin challenging the keeper on the edge of the box, but Adam Legzdins just managed to clear the ball away. Then just as the game was heading for a goalless draw, Diamonds took the lead on 87 minutes. Dean Howell sent a ball over the top of the defence and Lee Tomlin judged his run to perfection. With the defenders appealing to the linesman, the teenager took the ball towards goal and slipped it past Legzdins and into the net.
Full-time:
So Diamonds wait to see who they will play in the quarter finals on 23rd February. The away fixture at Stafford Rangers scheduled for that date will be re-arranged (details will be announced as soon as possible). Diamonds have the chance to progress in the League Cup on Tuesday evening when they visit Aggborough to take on old rivals Kidderminster Harriers in the 5th Round of the Setanta Shield (Northern Section).
Teams:
Subs not used: Mawson, Ainge.
Rushden & Diamonds - Roberts, Osano, Gulliver, Hope (c), Challinor, Brown (Tomlin 75), Burgess, Rankine, Shaw, Kelly (Corcoran 90+2), Howell.
Subs not used: Bastock, Gooding, Hales.
Goals: Tomlin 87 (0-1), Rankine 90+3 (0-2).
Booked: Gulliver 7 (foul).
Referee: Mr C.D.Sarginson (Staffs)
Attendance: 1052 (71 away).
