Eastbourne 0-1 Rushden

Rushden & Diamonds captain Curtis Woodhouse bagged a first-half penalty to hand them three points away at Blue Square Premier newcomers Eastbourne.

Woodhouse, who is also a professional boxer, slotted into the corner on 26 minutes after Eastbourne defender Neil Jenkins had fouled Lee Tomlin.

Diamonds came close again when Tomlin fired in a shot from 20 yards, but goalkeeper Lee Hook did well to save.

Jean-Michele Sigere had the best chance for Eastbourne, but he blazed wide.

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Eastbourne Borough: Hook, Austin, Baker, Jenkins, Pullan, Armstrong, Matt Crabb (Wormull 64), Smart, Harding, Sigere (Tait 75), Atkin (Nathan Crabb 66).
Subs Not Used: Winterton, Lovett.

Booked: Smart.

Rushden & D'monds: Marriott, Osano, Jelleyman, Burton, Hope, Kelly (Gulliver 86), Woodhouse, Burgess (Corcoran 81), Dean McDonald (Wolleaston 70), Lee Phillips, Tomlin.
Subs Not Used: Mitchell, Smith.

Booked: Woodhouse, Tomlin.

Goals: Woodhouse 26 pen.

Att: 1,605.

Ref: A Halliday (West Yorkshire).