Rushden & D 2-1 Hayes & Yeading

Goals from Lee Tomlin and Craig Farrell gave Rushden a narrow 2-1 Blue Square Premier win against Hayes & Yeading.

Rushden took the lead on 72 minutes, Tomlin firing into the top-left corner from just outside the penalty area.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser but were caught out six minutes from time when Curtis Osano set up Farrell.

Hayes & Yeading refused to thrown in the towel and pulled a goal back two minutes from time when Justin Cochrane provided the assist for Rob Gradwell.

It was Diamonds' first win, while Conference top flight newcomers Hayes & Yeading have picked up just one point from their opening four games.

Rushden and Diamonds manager Justin Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton:

"It was a disappointing first half, but the forced subs were a blessing really. The subs changed the game for us.

"We should've been out of sight. But (Hayes and Yeading) are not going to lay down and give us three points.

"They had a go at us, and we were a little bit fearful. Hopefully the first win will kick us into gear and get us rolling."

Rushden & Diamonds: Roberts, Osano, Downer, Stuart, Corcoran (McNamara 46), Pattison, Porter, Wolleaston (Byrne 46), Tomlin, Akurang, O'Connor (Farrell 62).

Subs Not Used: Reid, Cousins.

Booked: Tomlin, Byrne.

Goals: Tomlin 63, Farrell 85.

Hayes & Yeading: Overland, Allen-Page, Cadmore, El-Abd, Green, Mulley, Cochrane, Marwa (James 80), Canham (Gradwell 72), Binns, Fitzgerald (Daly 64).

Subs Not Used: Preddie, Little.

Booked: Overland, Cadmore, Green.

Goals: Gradwell 89.

Attendance: 1,059

Referee: Russell Fletcher (Derbyshire).