Hereford United 3 Rushden & Diamonds 1

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

14th April 2001 – Edgar Street (Attendance: 2,005)

Diamonds Scorers: Own Goal

Webmaster’s MoM: Butterworth

Match Report by Chris

Diamonds slumped to a disappointing defeat at Edgar Street.

An own goal from the Diamonds skipper and two from Rob Elmes meant that Diamonds put an end to their 16 match unbeaten run.

Diamonds were forced to make one change from the side that beat Morecambe last week. Brett Solkhon replaced the suspended Tarkan Mustafa at right back.

Hereford took the lead on 7 minutes, after Ray Warburton was penalised for obstruction on Matt Clarke just outside the area. The free-kick taken by Gavin Williams and Warburton headed past Billy Turley into the back of his own net.

Hereford dominated the first half. Warburton had to be alert to get in a vital tackle on Gavin Williams. On 24 minutes, John Shirley saw a 25 yard effort go just wide. A minute later Diamonds had their first attempt on goal, when Jackson’s attempted lob fell just wide of the far post.

Jimmy Quiggin shot weakly with only Turley to beat, while a minute later the same player saw a long range effort easily saved.

A minute later, Turley escaped with just a cautioned with having been adjudged to have brought down Quiggin.

On 33 minutes, Hereford extended their lead when Rob Elmes’ header was brilliantly touched onto the bar by Turley but the big striker was on hand to head the rebound home from close range.

8 minutes from the interval, the home side made it 3 when Elmes turned in Clarke’s cross from 12 yards.

On the stroke of half time, Diamonds almost pulled a goal back when Duane Darby shot across the face of the goal after Burgess’ flick-on.

A double substitution was made at half time, Gary Mills came on for Shaun Carey, and Simon Wormull replaced Brett Solkhon.

On 54 minutes, Darby was high and wide with a shot, but seven minutes later Diamonds pulled a goal back thanks to an own goal by Tony James.

On 66 minutes, Darby was inches wide following a pass from Jackson, while a minute later Darby headed over from Brady’s cross.

Manager Brian Talbot’s last throw of the dice was to send on Jean-Michel Sigere for Andy Burgess but to no avail.

Diamonds: Turley, Solkhon, Gray, Carey, Peters, Warburton, Butterworth, Brady, Jackson, Darby, Burgess. Subs: Sigere, Rodwell, Mills, Wormull, Bossu.