Lee Tomlin's early strike saw Rushden & Diamonds spoil Jim Harvey's first game as manager of struggling Chester City.

Rushden took the lead on four minutes when Neil Cousins set up Tomlin, who shot into the top corner from 18 yards.

Mark Beesley, in his first game since his return on loan, and Greg Blundell both had efforts were off target.

But the home side's chances all but disappeared in the final 30 minutes as first Glenn Rule and then Nick Chadwick were sent off for violent conduct.

Chester: Danby, Rule, Platt, Ryan, Ashton, Wilkinson (Roberts 62), Barry, Keltie, Lea, Blundell (Chadwick 61), Beesley.
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Owen, Kay.

Sent Off: Rule (60), Chadwick (77).

Booked: Keltie.

Rushden & D'monds: Abbey, Corcoran, Osano, Stuart, Robinson, Cousins (Pattison 78), Terry, Porter, Tomlin (Reid 90), Farrell, O'Connor (Akurang 75).
Subs Not Used: Roberts, Byrne.

Goals: Tomlin 4.

Attendance: 1,089.

Referee: R Clark (England).

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