By Rob
January 27 2003

Saturday 18th saw Rushden record an excellent 4-1 win at home to Cambridge, but faced defeat at Oxford united on the 25th, losing 3-0 in a poor 2nd half display at the Kassam stadium. Rushden and Diamonds romped to an emphatic win at home to Cambridge United on Saturday 18th January. The 4-1 victory was sweet revenge for the reverse encounter earlier in the season. Paul Hall was again on target to score a brace in the 2nd half to put his league goal tally to eleven and making him top scorer at the club. 1st half goals from Stuart Gray, and youngster, David bell set the ball rolling in what was a fantastic performance to keep the Northamptonshire side’s ambition to claim an automatic promotion place come the end of the season. Cambridge grabbed a consolation goal via a penalty from Paul Wanless, after defender Mark Peters had tripped Kitson inside the penalty area.
It was a different story at the Kassam stadium when the diamonds took on Oxford united. After a stalemate 0-0 at half time, the diamonds approached the second half with a different formation from the usual. Defender Paul Underwood was thrown up front with Paul Hall, but failed to achieve as Oxford looked the more determined and secured a 3-0 win. Their first came from the penalty spot. Andy Crosby sent Turley the wrong way, after Barry Hunter was punished for a foul on Steve Basham. Ex-cobbler Dave Savage netted a brace with two goals, both coming from defensive mistakes. Onandi Lowe received his 10th yellow card and will now face a 2 game suspension, missing the Darlington and Southend games. Diamonds are still 9 points clear of 3rd place, so perhaps they can afford a few slip ups, but with several players 1 yellow card away from suspension, it could easily change for the worse.