Rushden & Diamonds 5 Notts. County 1

Last updated : 30 October 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Rushden hit five goals past Notts County after scoring only nine goals in their first 15 matches.

Rushden made a sensational start when they took the lead on just 10 seconds when Drewe Broughton won an initial header and then collected Gary Mulligan's ball to shoot past Saul Deeney from just outside the box. Rushden increased their lead on ten minutes when Drewe Broughton powered home a header after great work by David Bell who had beaten two defenders before sending over a pinpoint cross for Brown.

Notts County were stunned by Rushden's whirlwind start but Stefan Oakes twice tested Billy Turley with shots from just outside the box..

Rushden increased their lead on 40 minutes, when Craig Dove cut down the left and hit a superb curling shot past Saul Deeney into the top corner of the net.

In the second half, Rushden were well in control and Man of the Match Bell made a fine run in the 50th minute, but Deeney tipped his fierce shot over.

Rushden increased their lead in the 52nd minute when Broughton knocked down Bell's free-kick and Dove shot home from 10 yards out.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 55th minute when substitute David Pipe shot home after the ball had been crossed by Paul Bolland, and on 62 minutes Tony Scully almost pulled another goal back, when he headed over with Turley stranded.

Notts County conceded a penalty in the 66th minute, when Gill pushed Broughton in the box and the striker picked himself up to cooley hit a twice taken penalty to complete his hat-trick.

Rushden were in full flow and Dove almost completed his hat-trick when his shot hit the side netting.

County conceded another penalty in the 82nd minute, when veteran defender Mike Whitlow fouled Gary Mulligan but Deeney saved Dove's penalty to deny him his hat-trick.