Larkin had the first shot of the match on 23 minutes when Stamps's long throw fell for the striker just inside the box.

The on-loan forward twisted to rifle a good shot which keeper Turley did well to get behind and hold.

The home side took the lead on 28 minutes with a superbly worked goal. Dean Bennett

Appleby supplied Larkin down the right flank and his low first-time cross was blasted into the roof of the net by Bennett from six yards.

Bennett's goal made it four in as many league games for the former Bromsgrove man.

Rushden were clearly shell-shocked and began to lose their way although Underwood rifled a 25-yard drive wide on 38 minutes.

Bennett was proving a constant threat and he threatened to find space in the area once again a minute later only for the defence and keeper Turley to block him out.

In first-half injury time Hanlon curled a 25-yard free-kick towards the corner of the net only for a good, diving one-handed save to his right from Harriers keeper Brock.