However a relatively low gate of 2,864 would have reminded Michael Knighton that unless he sells the club, bigger attendances will not follow. Roddy Collins received a boost before kick-off when full-back Mark Birch was passed fit. The Cumbrians got off to a fast start, applying early pressure on the Diamonds goal. A Stuart Green cross-shot fizzed across goal after 10 minutes and Richie Foran looked a certain scorer from a yard out but the ball some how came back off the post. Diamonds themselves created a chance when Onandi Lowe turned cleverly and shot inches wide. The game was being affected by a strong wind and a bit of Carlisle's wind had been taken out of their sails when the breakthrough arrived in timely fashion courtesy of Stuart Green in the 23rd minute. The ball was only partially cleared from a corner kick and Green fired in a tremendous shot, controlling the ball on the bounce superbly and drilling into the far corner.The Cumbrians, their tails now fully up, wanted more and got it six minutes later. A Green free-kick from outside the area was deflected into the path of the predatory Richie Foran who knocked the ball home with the aid of a post. An Ian Stevens header appeared to have made it three-nil but the officials ruled it out, apparently for offside. Rushden applied late pressure and Green had to head off the line and the visitors also forced four consecutive corners. However the last action of the half came when a low cross from Mark Birch was hooked clear. Stevens went off at the interval, feeling his right hamstring. Steve Halliday coming into the attack as his replacement. Far from letting Rushden back into the game, United were looking to kill it off and they pushed for a third goal. Green wasted one good opening and Foran and Halliday both had efforts that went wide. A low Foran shot was deflected just wide of the post by Steve Soley. Lowe got up well from a right wing cross and headed powerfully at Keen who made a solid save. In 65 minutes came the goal that finished off the visitors. Green dinked in a cross, Foran headed back to an unmarked Halliday who drove home with time to spare. Rushden didn't give up and maybe deserved a consolation for their sterling efforts. United defended well though and broke out with menace as the game entered its closing stages. They also kept possession well and were still firmly in control at the final whistle. Al's verdict: Fantastic stuff. We're getting better with each game at the moment. A useful looking Rushden & Diamonds were played off the park by a side who can only go in one direction playing the way they are and that's up. Everybody chipped in tonight with a special word for Mark Birch who typified a very committed Carlisle performance. The midfield, which was disappearing from view a few months ago, is now dictating games, no small thanks to Soley and Stu Green who were again outstanding. Collins can now milk these occasions and help turn up the heat on Knighton, who must realise now it's time to go and allow Collins the chance to build a team for the future. |
