Luton Town strengthened their Blue Square Bet Premier play-off credentials at the expense of Rushden & Diamonds.
Robbie Willmott won it for the Hatters early on, making the most of a mix-up to slot home from the edge of the area.
Jason Walker was then denied by Diamonds defender Eddie Ashodi, whose tackle sparked a goalmouth scramble that eventually saw the ball go over.
At the other end, keeper Mark Tyler was at his best to make a fine reflex save to deny Shane Huke as Luton held on.
Rushden and Diamonds manager Justin Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton:
"With the amount of injuries we've got and the [transfer] embargo we're restricted and have no chance of rotating the squad.
"So I can't ask for any more than those players have given tonight. They put their bodies on the line.
"We probably lacked a bit of quality in the final third, but for endeavour, commitment and attitude they were immense. I can only commend what they've given me."
Rushden & D'monds: Joe Day, Corcoran, Oshodi, Huke, Jamie Day, Porter, Mills, Power, Johnson (Shariff 88), Gash, Charles. Subs Not Used: Evans, Farrell, Keehan, Phillips.
Booked: Jamie Day, Huke, Mills.
Luton: Tyler, Newton, George Pilkington, Kroca, Howells, Morgan-Smith (Jason Walker 63), Keane, Carden, Willmott, Barnes-Homer, Crow (Poku 76).Subs Not Used: Kevin Pilkington, Graham, Dan Walker.
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