Bristol Rovers 1 Rushden & D 2

Last updated : 05 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Two strikes by Onandi Lowe kept the Diamonds firmly on course for automatic promotion to the Second Division as they fought back from a goal down to beat strugglers Bristol Rovers.

The Diamonds went behind in the third minute. No one picked up Vitalijs Astafjevs as he dashed crossfield into the box. And with freedom to choose his spot the Latvian sent his shot expertly past the left hand of Billy Turley into the far corner.

Rovers might easily have added a second when a poor Turley free-kick fell to the feet of Andy Rammell.

He faced an open goal but before he could shoot Barry Hunter bundled him out of his stride.

Diamonds equalised eight minutes before the break as low cross from the left spread confusion in Rovers' defence, Lowe profiting as he sent a diving header past keeper Scott Howie.

Diamonds looked better in the second half and on the hour mark Dean Holdsworth - on loan from Coventry - was inches away from giving them the lead.

However, seven minutes later Lowe struck again, tapping the ball home after good work from Paul Hall.

Rovers' Manager, Ray Graydon, missed the match with tonsilitis. But assistant boss John Still, said:"After taking the lead we should have ground out a result. But we were not sensible enough in our play and two poor pieces of defensive play cost us dear."