Kingstonian 1 Rushden & Diamonds 5

If Ks fans were beginning to think the Conference wasn't such a step up in class after all, their illusions were shattered by this crushing defeat on Tuesday night.

Red-hot title favourites Rushden & Diamonds attracted a healthy crowd of 2,605 spectators to Kingsmeadow - and then tore Geoff Chapple's team to pieces.

Ks had conceded just one goal in their first three games in an unbeaten start to their campaign but this humiliation could have been much worse.

Rushden are one of just two professional outfits in the Conference and their extra fitness, pace and ability left Kingstonian chasing shadows for much of Tuesday night.

They had already gone close on several occasions before striker Adrian Foster opened the scoring with a flicked back header after 12 minutes.

Ks could have collapsed but to their credit they fought back and David Leworthy equalised in the 15th minute with a shot on the turn.

The home side hung on grimly for the rest of the first half, although Danny Smith looked vulnerable at right back, stand-in goalkeeper Scott Barrett failed to deal with a succession of crosses and the usually competitive midfield duo of Geoff Pitcher and Gary Patterson were run ragged.

Ks began the second period brightly but Rushden rode the storm and took the lead again on the hour when Foster netted his second goal.

This time there was no way back for Kingstonian despite the introduction of Gavin Holligan and Scott Corbett for Danny Smith and Kevin Rattray.

Tim Wooding made it 3-1 after 73 minutes, Foster completed his hat-trick five minutes from time and Darren Collins hit the fifth following a sparkling run just seconds from the end.

Rushden & Diamonds, the manufactured club bankrolled by the owner of the Dr Martens brand, look a good bet for promotion to the Football League and Ks now need to prepare for the visit of Doncaster on Saturday.

Geoff Chapple's team were lucky to escape with a 5-1 defeat as they were taught a harsh footballing lesson.

Not all their opponents will be as skilful and physically powerful as Rushden but urgent work is needed to patch up deficiencies so cruelly exposed by a superior outfit.

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