Rushden & Diamonds 0-1 Crawley Town

Tubbs joined Crawley from Salisbury City in the summer

Matt Tubbs' strike in first-half injury time was enough to overcome Rushden & Diamonds as Crawley returned to the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.

Tubbs' eighth goal of the season proved enough to leapfrog Town back above Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon.

The Reds' top scorer connected with Dean Howell's left-wing cross to convert from close range.

But there were no more goals, Tubbs' strike partner Richard Brodie heading a good second-half chance wide.

Rushden's Max Porter failed to trouble Michel Kuipers in a second half that contained far less openings.

Rushden's defeat leaves them in 14th, five points clear of trouble, while Crawley have gone a point clear at the top, ahead of second-placed Mansfield.

Rushden & Diamonds:

Joe Day, Miller, Osano, Stuart, Jamie Day, Porter, Huke (Green 77), Power (Johnson 61), Sills (Charles 84), Howe, O'Connor.
Subs Not Used: Key, Robinson.

Booked: Power, Howe, O'Connor, Huke.

Crawley Town: Kuipers, Wilson, McFadzean, Mills, Howell, Neilson, Smith (Hall 87), Bulman, Torres, Brodie (McAllister 70), Tubbs (Wright 81).
Subs Not Used: Jordan, Masterton.

Booked: McFadzean.

Goals: Tubbs 45.

Att: 1,162

Ref: Marvyn Amphlett (Worcestershire).