BBC SPORT | Football | Non League | Stafford 0-1 Rushden & Diamonds

Stafford 0-1 Rushden & Diamonds

Michael Rankine scored the only goal as Rushden won at relegated Stafford.

Rankine struck after five minutes, converting a cross from an Andrew Burgess cross, before Ross Draper narrowly shot over for Stafford.

Damien Jarrett also blazed over for Stafford and then forced Rushden keeper Martyn Margarson into action with a long-range effort.

Michael Corcoran later went close to a second for Rushden but his header was saved by Rangers keeper Danny Alcock.

Stafford: Alcock, Daniel, Flynn, Sangare, Jarrett (Loukes 89), Mawene, Draper, Ingram, Reid, Grayson, Smith (Wellecomm 8).
Subs Not Used: Allen, Dodd, Arnolin.

Booked: Draper.

Rushden & D'monds: Margarson, Osano, Gulliver, Corcoran, El Kholti (Howell 54), Burgess, Gooding, Woodhouse (Shaw 57), Platt (Smith 61), Challinor, Rankine.
Subs Not Used: Hope, Beecroft.

Booked: Shaw.

Goals: Rankine 5.

Att: 436

Ref: Paul Tierney (Wigan).