Game 200 – 14 October 1995

Game 200

During the Championship winning season in the Beazer Homes Southern League Premier Division, Rushden & Diamonds reached the milestone of their 200th game.

Saturday 14 October 1995

Southern League (Beazer Homes)

Premier Division

Gresley Rovers 0 Rushden & Diamonds 3

Moat Ground, Church Gresley

Twelve months earlier, Diamonds had lost on their first visit to the Moat and they were looking to avenge that defeat. They had finished 5th in the League and were looking to secure a place in the Conference during their fourth League campaign. After just nine games, they were flying high in the table with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat, while Rovers were mid-table but had only gained one point in their previous four games.

The home side started well with David Taylor going close early on, but Diamonds midfielders Garry Butterworth and Neil Smith soon took control.

The opening goal came on 25 minutes after keeper Stuart Ford tipped over Darren Collins effort. From the corner, the ball was only half cleared and Brendan Hackett crossed the ball back into the area where Al James Hannigan stooped low to head home for his first goal for the club.

Diamonds rarely looked in trouble during the second half and went further ahead on 54 minutes. Andy Kirkup dispossessed Andy Marsden and set Collins clear on goal. Despite being forced wide by the keeper, he checked and turned inside to sidefoot the ball home.

Eight minutes from time, Garry Butterworth added a third. Collins’ cross from the left found Kevin Wilkin at the far post, and his header back into the goalmouth saw Butterworth head home from 8 yards.

Team: Graham Benstead, Tim Wooding, Nick Ashby, Andy Peaks, Neil Smith, Al James Hannigan, Andy Kirkup, Garry Butterworth, Darren Collins, Kevin Wilkin, Brendan Hackett.

Goals: Al James Hannigan 25 (0-1), Darren Collins 54 (0-2), Garry Butterworth 82 (0-3).

Attendance: 808.

Statistics

(# = 1 game lost on penalty kicks)