Blue Square Premier play-off rivals Rushden and Kettering fought out a fiercely-contested goalless draw in their local derby clash at Nene Park.

Home striker Aaron O'Connor was closest to breaking the deadlock on the hour when he hit the post from 12 yards.

Diamonds had the better chances, Lee Tomlin twice going close from the edge of the box, only to be foiled by former Kettering keeper Nathan Abbey.

But Kettering had chances too as they held on to stay a point behind Rushden.

Kwesi Appiah's shot which flew wide was Kettering's best opportunity before the break. And the hosts survived a scare early in the second half when John Dempster headed Marcus Kelly's cross just wide.

After O'Connor had struck the Poppies' post, James Dance then threatened twice in as many minutes for the visitors.

His first shot flashed just wide while his second effort stung the palms of home keeper Dale Roberts.

But, despite Tomlin threatening again late on, he again missed the target, leaving the two Northamptonshire neighbours to settle for a point apiece.

Rushden & Diamonds: Roberts, Osano, Downer, Stuart, Robinson, Porter, Terry, Byrne, O'Connor (Farrell 90), Louis (Akurang 63), Tomlin.

Subs Not Used: Day, Corcoran, Pattison.

Booked: Stuart, Terry.

Kettering: Abbey, Taylor, Dempster, Roper, Jennings, Wrack (Boucaud 73), Noubissie, Hadfield, Kelly (Thomas 69), Appiah (Marna 46), Dance.

Subs Not Used: Cooper, Thelwell.

Booked: Hadfield, Jennings.

Referee: Michael Bull (Essex).

Attendance: 2,998.

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