The Daggers made much of the early running in this match, and were by no means outplayed by their hosts. Janney was instrumental, beating his full back often to get good crosses into the box. However, a goal on the break in the 9th minute from Rushden put the Daggers on the back foot. A cross from the right beat everyone and Andy Burgess was on hand to score from the left of the box. The Daggers still attacked though, and forced many corners and got back into the game on 18 minutes. A variation in the usual free kick saw Brennan play it down the line to McDougald who set Janney up to beat the full back and whip a great ball in which was met by a powerful header from the dominant Tim Cole to get the Daggers back on level terms. Drewe Broughton had a chance to put the Daggers ahead before half-time, when a good Matt Jones cross was met by the young forward's head but the ball ended up well wide. Rushden came into the game more in the middle of the half, with some good passing and several crosses coming over from the right wing which were dealt with by Roberts and his defence. Rushden also forced a couple of corners which were both cleared. The Daggers attempted several shots from the edge of the box towards the end of the half, but they were cleared by the heads of defenders.

In the second half the Daggers were strong and had many chances to win the game. Within a few minutes of the half, a Rushden defender almost volleyed past his own keeper from an attempted backpass but the ball was always going wide. Matt Jones had a good chance to put the Daggers ahead when a good Janney cross was met by him and he turned and shot just over. Drewe Broughton almost found the net from long range when he hit a powerful 30 yard right foot shot but it flashed just wide. Justin Jackson was lively in the second half, always looking for the ball over the top but not getting clear of the attentions of Matthews and Cole. Jackson alomst cored with his oly chance when he did get clear but Roberts was out well to smother at his feet. However moments later disaster struck. Andy Burgess ran into the box before falling over his own feet, but the referee, obstructed by a defender, gave the penalty which Darby put just part the left hand of Roberts into the top corner. Jones nearly got it back though when a good Janney cross was again met by Jones but his looping header went narrowly over the bar. Cobb and Keen were introduced to try and alter things, and Cobb got in a good cross which Keen almost met but for a recovering defender. Brennan almost netted when he floated in a free kick which was missed by all including the keeper but it went just wide. Rushden tried to hold on to their lead by running into the corners, but Cole and right-back Heffer combined to ensure they didn't do this effectively with some steaming hard tackles. The Daggers produced a late flurry of chances, but couldn't find the elusive equaliser.

D & R: Tony Roberts, Steve Heffer, Tim Cole, Lee Matthews, Jason Broom, Mark Janney, Paul Terry, Mark Brennan, Matt Jones (Mark Keen), Junior McDougald (Paul Cobb), Drewe Broughton. Subs not used: Ashley Vickers, Derek Payne, Rob Haworth.

Man of the Match: Tim Cole was magnificent at the back and popped up with a goal.