Rushden and Diamonds

Rushden release goalkeeper Eyre
Conference strugglers Rushden and Diamonds have decided to release goalkeeper Nicky Eyre. The 21-year-old, who joined Rushden from Grays Athletic in the summer, has not had his short-term contract at Nene Park extended. Eyre was a regular in the Rushden side under previous manager Paul Hart. However, the former Tottenham youngster has had to alternate with Scott Tynan in recent weeks with Tynan now set to continue in the side.

Cambridge 0-1 Rushden & D
Marcus Kelly struck late in the first half to secure a much-needed victory for struggling Rushden & Diamonds. Cambridge goalkeeper Michael Crichton flapped at Kelly's inswinging corner and the ball passed through a crowd of players and went into the net. The home team had enjoyed the best of the openings prior to conceding and then pushed hard for an equaliser. Robbie Simpson almost secured a point, but directed Rob Gier's cross straight at Rushden goalkeeper Scott Tynan. Cambridge Utd: Crichton, Gier, Morrison, Duncan, Collins, Brady, Josh Simpson, Wolleaston (Smith 54), Pitt, Gash (Carey-Bertram 90), Robbie Simpson (Marum 73). Subs Not Used: Herbert, Peters. Booked: Brady, Smith. Rushden & D'monds: Tynan, Wilson, Hope, Hatswell, Watson, Jackson (Woodhouse 70), Ashton, Savage, Kelly, Rankine, Chillingworth (Berry 90). Subs Not Used: Margarson, Tomlin, Sedgemore. Booked: Watson, Hatswell, Rankine. Goals: Kelly 44. Att: 3,000 Ref: N Kinseley (Essex).

Rushden & D v Tamworth
Rushden have injury worries with Jon Ashton and Daniel Chillingworth both having to be substituted against Gravesend with knocks. Glenn Wilson is a doubt after labouring towards the end of the game and Paul Watson is also a concern. Tamworth look certain to be without Joe Kendrick after he hobbled out of the Lambs' 1-0 loss to Morecambe on Saturday, so Kyle Storer could start. Goalkeeper Jose Veiga is in contention for a start after a one-match ban.

York v Rushden
York manager Billy McEwan welcomes back James Dudgeon after the defender has completed his three-match ban. He will challenge Daniel Parslow and Craig James for a starting berth but Nathan Peat is still struggling with an ankle injury. Rushden boss Garry Hill has no fresh injury or suspension concerns. Hill will again be without the services of Wayne Hatswell, who remains sidelined with a groin strain, and may not feature again this season.

Rushden boss upbeat despite loss
Boss Garry Hill was pleased with his Rushden & Diamonds side despite them losing 1-0 against Stevenage. Hill told SSB: "We were a bit unlucky and it's the best 90 minutes I've seen since I've been in charge at the club. "In the first-half we were very bright in our play, moved the ball well and created some good chances. "Nobody could knock the effort of the team and we were unfortunate not to get a positive result."

Rushden recall Wilson from loan
Rushden and Diamonds have recalled defender Glenn Wilson from a loan spell with Conference rivals Kidderminster. Wilson, 21, returns to Nene Park to cover for injuries after making six appearances for Kidderminster. Boss Mark Yates told Harriers' website: "Gary Hill wants to make sure Rushden are safe from relegation. "They've got injuries so we haven't got a problem. We're disappointed to lose Glenn, but we understood this kind of situation when we took him."

Woodhouse signs new Diamonds deal
Rushden & Diamonds have released six players but secured the future of midfielder Curtis Woodhouse. Dave Savage, Gary Mills, Chris Beardsley, Jason Goodliffe, Danny Williams and Scott Tynan have not been offered new deals by boss Garry Hill. But Woodhouse has signed for two years after resuming his football career following a spell in pro boxing. Woodhouse, 27, has scored three times in 14 appearances in two separate spells with Rushden.

Shaw earns new Diamonds contract
Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Tom Shaw has signed a new two-year contract at Nene Park. The former Nottingham Forest youngster follows defender Wayne Hatswell in agreeing fresh terms with the Diamonds. He recently returned from a loan spell at Nuneaton to produce some impressive performances before a foot injury ended his season early. The 20-year-old has made 23 first-team appearances for Rushden since joining the club from Forest's academy.

Diamonds swoop for veteran keeper
Rushden & Diamonds have signed veteran goalkeeper Paul Bastock. Bastock has agreed a one-year deal after leaving St Albans City following their relegation from the Conference. The 37-year-old started 125 games for St Albans following a record-breaking spell at Boston United, where he played 625 games. Diamonds manager Garry Hill previously signed Bastock for Dagenham & Redbridge, where he spent a short spell as cover for Tony Roberts.

Rushden recruit Foster and Krause
Rushden & Diamonds have announced that midfielder Martin Foster and defender James Krause have agreed terms and will sign for them on 1 July. Foster, 29, was not offered a new deal by Halifax this summer after a three-year spell with the Shaymen. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Oxford United. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Krause - an England Under-17 international - will also move to Nene Park, following his recent release by Ipswich.

Diamonds sign Burgess and Howell
Rushden & Diamonds have re-signed the versatile Andy Burgess from Oxford United, and also tied up the signing of ex-Grays left-sided player Dean Howell. Burgess, 25, has signed a two-year deal and moves on a free transfer, although Oxford have agreed a sell-on clause. Howell, 26, has made over 150 league appearances for 10 clubs. Also, Rushden's Canadian midfielder Simeon Jackson, 20, has signed a new three-year deal, but striker Leo Fortune-West, 36, has left the club. Fortune-West joined the Diamonds from Doncaster last summer, but started just two Conference games last season, and was loaned out to Torquay and Shrewsbury. However, Burgess - who can play in midfield or defence - is returning to Nene Park after 18 months at Oxford. Burgess made over 200 league appearances in his first spell with Rushden.

Rushden launch probe into fracas
Rushden have launched an internal investigation into the violent scenes that marred their match at Salisbury. Salisbury coach Tommy Widdrington suffered a suspected broken nose following a touchline fracas. And Rushden confirmed club officials are examining all evidence surrounding the incident, which is also subject to a Football Association probe. Chairman Keith Cousins said: "Once we've looked at all the evidence, we'll release a further statement." Both sides finished the 1-1 draw with 10 men as Salisbury's Michael Fowler and Rushden's Curtis Woodhouse were dismissed after they clashed in the second half. Woodhouse will serve a four-match after his second red card of the season. Cousins added: "The club has been made aware of a number of incidents that occurred at Saturday's match and we're investigating those incidents with the relevant interested parties." Salisbury boss Nick Holmes said the Whites will initially let the FA deal with the matter. He told the Salisbury Journal: "The referee and his assistants all saw the incident and we've watched it on the DVD. "Like I said immediately after the game we're happy to let the officials deal with it through the correct channels, but we'll reserve the right to take the matter further, depending on what Tommy wants to do. "The FA are now looking at the DVD and they have the referee's report. Once we hear back from the FA we'll comment further. "Tommy's got a bloody nose and a bit of a headache, and now we're waiting for the X-ray results before we know what damage has been done."

Rushden recruit Northwich's Rusk
Rushden and Diamonds have signed Northwich Victoria midfielder Simon Rusk on a month's loan. Rusk moves to Nene Park after being one of five Northwich players placed on the transfer-list earlier this week. The 25-year-old joined the Vics in the summer after making over 150 appearances for Boston United. Meanwhile, Diamonds boss Garry Hill has allowed forward Lawrence Lambey, 18, to join Southern League side Corby Town on loan for three months.

Rushden capture striker Malcolm
Rushden & Diamonds have signed former Stockport striker Michael Malcolm. He moved to Nene Park following a short spell with neighbours Kettering Town and made his Diamonds debut in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Burton. The 21-year-old former Tottenham youngster was released by Stockport at the end of last season following two seasons at Edgeley Park. He was linked with a move to German side Werder Bremen last season but the prospective move fell through.

Rushden fine Hill over flare-up
Rushden have fined their manager Garry Hill over his part in a touchline flare-up in their Blues Square Premier game at Salisbury on 8 September. Rushden confirmed that Hill has been fined the "maximum possible amount allowed by the football authorities." Chairman Keith Cousins said: "The fine has been imposed after full discussions with Garry, who accepts the penalty for the loss of discipline at the game." Both clubs, and Hill, face FA charges following the incident. The clubs have until 25 September to respond, Hill has until 26 September.

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