Rampant Cambridge knocked the sparkle out of Third Division leaders Rushden with victory at the Abbey Stadium.

The Diamonds defence was unable to cope with the pace and movement of big Dave Kitson and his supporting wingers Tom Youngs and Omer Riza.

Cambridge's half-time lead could have been better than 1-0 and they rubbed in their superiority after the break.

Youngs took advantage of a mistake by defender Andy Tillson to fire Cambridge in front in the 21st minute, and it was another error by Tillson which allowed Kitson to set up Riza for the second in the 64th minute.

Kitson was through again in the 77th, laying a pass on a plate for Youngs to side-foot home.

Substitute Stuart Wardley took advantage of a mix-up in the Cambridge defence to pull a goal back in the 83rd, but just before the final whistle Kitson headed home at the far post following a corner.

Cambridge Utd: Marshall, Goodhind, Duncan, Angus, Murray, Tudor, Youngs, Guttridge, Fleming, Riza, Kitson. Subs: Brennan, Wanless, Scully, Bridges, Warner.

Rushden & D'monds: Turley, Mustafa, Hunter, Tillson, Underwood, Hall, Gray, Mills, Burgess, Darby, Lowe. Subs: Peters, Wardley, Partridge, Sollitt, Talbot.

Referee: S Tomlin (E Sussex)