Barnet 2 Rushden & Diamonds 0

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

LDV Vans Trophy Southern Section, Round 1

28th November 2000 – Underhill (Attendance: 887)

Webmasters MoM: Rodwell

Match Report by Chris

Diamonds crashed out of the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday night after conceding two goals in seven first half minutes at Underhill.

Diamonds made three changes from the side that was so unlucky in defeat at Luton Town. Goalkeeper Billy Turley and midfielder Jon Brady were both serving one match suspensions while Paul Underwood was rested. Stuart Naylor replaced Turley; Gary Setchell deputised for Underwood while there was a recall for John Hamsher in place of Brady. On the bench, Diamonds included Youth Team Captain Brett Solkhon; Richard Butcher and young goalkeeper Thomas King.

Diamonds kicked off up the slope and started strongly with Jean – Michel Sigere causing problems for the Barnet defence.

However, it was the home side that took the lead on 22 minutes and the goal had a hint of offside about it when Wayne Purser ran onto a pass and fed Robert Sawyers. Stuart Naylor managed to get a hand on the strikers shot but could only turn to see the ball bounce off a post and into the back of the net.

Diamonds then had skipper Ray Warburton and striker Justin Jackson booked for a foul and unsporting behaviour respectively. As a result, both players will miss the forthcoming Nationwide Variety Trophy game at Kingstonian.

On 29 minutes, Diamonds found themselves further behind. Lee Gledhill provided the cross for the unmarked Purser to head home from six yards.

Diamonds only had one other chance of note in the first half when Gary Mills was high and wide with a long range effort.

Diamonds threw on David Town instead of Warburton on the hour but apart from a couple of Jackson chances and a weak shot from Sigere there was little for the 102 travelling supporters to cheer.

Barnet rarely looked like they were going to extend their lead. Danny Brown headed over while a right wing cross from Purser whistled across the face of the goal with no one on hand to take advantage.

Diamonds last throw of the dice was to send on Brett Solkhon for Mark Peters and Simon Wormull for Jackson but it was not to be.

On Saturday, Diamonds return to Nationwide Conference action when they make the long trip to Dover.

Team: – Naylor, Mustafa, Peters, Hamsher, Rodwell, Warburton, Setchell, Mills, Jackson, Sigere, Burgess