Rushden & D 1-1 Wrexham

Shaun Whalley saved Wrexham with his 75th-minute strike

An equaliser from Shaun Whalley salvaged a draw for Wrexham at high-flying Rushden & Diamonds' Nene Park.

The Dragons had the better of the game, their free-flowing play forcing keeper Alan Marriott into frequent action.

But Rushden's physical play paid off after the break, Andrew Burgess' fine cross gifting Sam Smith the opener.

Simon Brown's cross-field pass found outstanding Wrexham captain Tom Kearney who squeezed the ball through a crowded defence for Whalley to fire home.

The equaliser denied Rushden a share of the Blue Square Premier lead with Cambridge United, ending their 100% start to the season.

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Wrexham manager Brian Little:
"We would have settled for a point before coming here, but the way we played we could have had all three.

"The defeat at York was disappointing and we had to remind people what we were all about.

"Although we got sucker-punched again, the players responded and we were the stronger side overall.

"There's a long way to go in this league and we're still learning all the time as we go along."

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Rushden & D'monds: Marriott, Osano, Hope, Burton, Jelleyman, Wolleaston (Smith 56), Corcoran (Beecroft 88), Woodhouse, Burgess, Tomlin, Lee Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Dean McDonald, Roberts, Kelly.

Booked: Marriott, Burton.

Goals: Smith 61.

Wrexham: Ward, Spender, Kempson, Steve Evans, Tremarco, Simon Brown, Kearney, Mackin, Aiston (Baynes 71), Louis (Taylor 71), Whalley.
Subs Not Used: Anthony Williams, Pejic, Marc Williams.

Goals: Whalley 75.

Att: 1,805

Ref: S Procter-Green (Lincolnshire).