A FANS VIEW FROM COMPETITION WINNER COLIN MATTHEW

HARRIERS knocked a few edges off the rough cut Diamonds from Rushden when they ended their twelve match unbeaten run.

Talbot cited limited resources for the result.

It is not what money can buy, but resource usage especially when faced with injuries or suspensions that counts.

When Broughton is available, Molby will have a headache considering his options against Luton.

A false start led to a slow start by Harriers.

On 15 minutes, Appleby lacked composure 15 yards out.

Having taken a good corner to Stamps who passed it back, he blasted it high over the goal.

On 23 minutes, from a Stamps throw in, Larkin had a good shot saved by a very stretched Turley.

Then a good break by Stamps to Henriksen came to nothing and Hall shot from 30 yards was saved by Brock.

At this point there was good end to end action and on 28 minutes, Larkin released a good ball to Bennett who scored his fourth of the month.

It is pleasing to see Bennett rekindling the form of his Conference days.

On 35 minutes, Partridge looked in a dangerous position and his effort was stopped and his appeal for a penalty from a Blake tackle was refused.

Meanwhile, Harriers kept up the pressure and in the minute of first half extra time Hanlon with a 25 yard free kick forced an excellent right handed save from Brock.

Straight after half time, Harriers were out of the blocks with Larkin releasing Bennett and Henriksen's header deflected over.

On 50 minutes, Clarkson's cross to Larkin was saved by Turley's dive to the right.

On 51 minutes, Hanlon's free kick skimmed as a header past Brock at the far post.

At this point, both sides were attacking one another and on 52 minutes Blake set Larkin off to harry the Diamonds defence and his shot ran over the bar.

This was a missed opportunity to calm Harriers and rattle Diamonds nerves.

Two minutes later Peters drilled a deflected free kick wide.

Later, Sall started a good run and released the ball to Larkin who tried to get around Turley who dived to collect the ball in his arms.

At this point Harriers started to give too much space, Diamonds were gaining too many set pieces for comfort and Molby was off the bench.

On 65 minutes, Peters and Hall could not make headway past Brock.

Larkin fell awkwardly on 71 minutes but recovered.

On 75 minutes, Brock ran off his line to make a good clearance in play. Eventually Turley thwarted Bennett's header and Henriksen's follow up.

By now the atmosphere was getting heated- Harriers conceded another free kick and Hunter missed from 40 yards out.

On 82 minutes, the Harriers tension was relieved when Stamps crossed to Blake who headed powerfully from 8 yards.

The game was restarted and within 8 to 10 seconds in the words of Talbot after the game "Hanlon made a mistake" but Larkin robbed, raced with the ball, kept his composure and scored his first goal at Aggborough. The Diamonds heads were down.

Afterwards Molby was pleased of the qualities, fitness and pace being displayed by Harriers who gave Diamonds no chance in open play. Sall's freshness was rewarded with a man of the match award. Henriksen played his part by pulling Diamonds players out wide and created two goals.

Talbot concludes that his squad needs to focus and concentrate, regroup and put the result behind them.

It was a pleasing sweet fourth successive victory for Harriers. It demonstrates teamwork, which has placed them above Diamonds and Cheltenham. Next up, get your hats out for the Luton game and have a mad hatters tea party!