CAMBRIDGE 0-2 RUSHDEN & D

Cambridge United were undone by poor defending and two quick goals as Rushden and Diamonds departed the Abbey Stadium with three points.

Aaron O'Connor and Jamie Day both found the back of the net within 20 minutes of the encounter to leave the hosts floored.

Justin Edinburgh's men went ahead in the 14th minute when a long ball caught the U's defence on the back foot. While Simon Brown hesitated to make a challenge, O'Connor took advantage of the time and space he was afforded to crack a shot from 15 yards out.

And just six minutes later, the hosts were again asleep at the back as they failed to pick up a short corner that was met by Day in the danger area, who snuck his shot in at the near post.

United created a few chances, but it was not enough to avoid a sixth successive defeat. Danny Wright watched his header go over the bar just before half time, while Daryl Clare did find the back of the net but his goal was disallowed as Day was fouled.

Brian Saah then had a header cleared off the line late on, but Diamonds walked away with all the spoils for the second time in a week after defeating Cambridge on Tuesday evening as well.