Tomlin has been linked to Championship side Peterborough
Ten-man Rushden & Diamonds boosted their Blue Square Premier play-off bid with a close victory over Histon.
Lee Tomlin scored the only goal in the first half, drilling home from the penalty spot after Adam Tann was judged to have fouled Aaron O'Connor.
But Diamonds played 50 minutes a man down when Nick McNamara saw a straight red for a high tackle on Lee Smith.
The Stutes failed to cause keeper Dale Roberts much trouble, and debutant Andy Pugh fired wide late on.
Tomlin's 12th goal of the season means Rushden move up to fourth in the table, with Histon still sitting in 15th.
His penalty came after a disputed decision against Tann and debutant Stutes keeper David Knight guessed the right way but could not keep the ball out.
Histon's Charlie Sheringham had chances to score his first ever goal at Blue Square Premier level but he headed straight into Roberts' hands and scuffed another chance horribly six yards from goal.
The Stutes failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage and Tann hit the outside of the woodwork with a header.
Daniel Wright then headed their best chance just over the bar, before substitute Pugh, who only joined Histon earlier on Wednesday, squandered a chance to score the Stutes' first goal in three games in injury time.
Rushden & Diamonds manager Justin Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton: "It wasn't pretty. We've had to defend well and be strong. We were up against it.
"We've lost a player but credit to the group of players and their spirit that they've kept a clean sheet.
"If we're going to be serious contenders, when other teams slip up, you've got to capitalise. I think that showed in our performance tonight."
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