Rushden overcome Kiddy in FA Cup

scored again
By Mark Taylor
November 27 2002

Rushden and Diamonds are through to the second round of the FA Cup after emerging victorious from the 1st round replay with Kidderminster Harriers. For the second consecutive game a rejuvenated Stuart Wardley proved the match winner with his goal on 67 minutes.

As expected Duffy and Darby lined up in attack with the unfit Lowe taking a place on the bench for the first time while at Rushden. Youngster David Bell was left out to accommodate Paul Hall. Former Harrier, Marcus Bignot, who signed an 18-month contract this week, started at right back.

Kidderminster were without Scott Stamps but included the gypsy-like striker, Bo Henriksen who, incidentally, urgently requires a haircut.

The visitors should have taken the lead after only six minutes but Drewe Broughton blazed over the open goal, vacated by the wandering Billy Turley. Rushden had a chance moments later when a mix-up in the defence almost allowed Robert Duffy to slot home. Against the run of play Diamonds took the lead when Duffy scored a carbon copy of his second goal at Aggborough, 10 days previously. He rose above the Kiddy defence to plant a header past Brock from an Underwood cross.

Mid way through the second half Diamonds extended the lead when Wardley finished a superb team move. Earlier, Lowe had missed an open goal, incredibly hitting the bar from all of three yards. The Jamaican international made amends later when he was heavily involved in the second goal. Eventually, Bignot slotted a brilliant ball through the Kiddy defence for Wardley to run on to and shoot past Brock.

The travelling plastic supporters finally made some noise on 73 minutes when Broughton scored from a header. This excitement was short lived however, as they reverted back to their now familiar silence.

Diamonds held on to the victory to set up a second round tie at Exeter, who beat Forest Green 2-1. There is now a real chance to make the third round with the possibility of meeting a big Premiership club.

MOTM- Stuart Wardley- tireless work rewarded by goal