Kidderminster Harriers 1 Rushden & Diamonds 2

Match Report courtesy of Unofficial Rushden & Diamonds Website (1997-2001)

Vauxhall Conference

18.10.97 – Aggborough Stadium (Attendance: 2139)

Diamonds Team : Smith, Wooding, Cramman, Mison, Branston, Whyte, Kelly, Butterworth, Foster, Collins, Underwood, Subs: Hackett, Fuff.

Goal scorers and time of goals: RDFC : Mison 7mins and Cramman 63mins.
Webmaster Man of the Match: Kenny Cramman

Match Report :

Rushden & Diamonds have lost their inconsistency tag after three consecutive Conference victories.

This latest success, which was fully merited over Kidderminster consolidated their position in the top half of the table.

Former Crewe keeper Mark Smith came into the team and when Malcolm Ndekwe came on late in the game he was the 30th player used by Brian Talbot this campaign. There was a feast of entertainment which began with an early goal for the Diamonds when Michael Mison forced home Paul Underwood’s corner.

That provided impetus the Kidderminster Harriers needed and for more than 20 minutes nearly all of the action was in Diamonds half. During this period of sustained pressure Chris Whyte dominated the penalty area with well timed interceptions and clearances, but unfortunately Diamonds cracked. A right-wing corner was powerfully headed home by Kidderminster’s star player Mark Yates from the edge of the penalty area, in-off the post.

Diamonds responded well to this setback, producing a number of opportunities down the right, while Adrian Foster saw a shot cleared of the line after he skipped round the keeper, and later cut-backs from Mison and Wooding, which should have provided tap-ins evaded everyone.

The Diamonds started the second spell well in control. Unfortunately the chances would not go in and the Diamonds supporters started to worry that the winner would elude them. Darren Collins saw his shot blocked by keeper Steadman and then, gifted the ball by the keeper, he squared it to Foster who was denied by a last ditch tackle. The goal finally came when Foster, a resident of Kidderminster, found space in the penalty box and chipped the out rushing keeper. It might have gone in, but Kenny Cramman made sure by getting the final touch.