Rushden and Diamonds 0, York City 1

Richard Brodie’s 19th goal of the season means Martin Foyle’s men will now equal a club record, set 54 years ago by the likes of Arthur Bottom, Norman Wilkinson and Billy Fenton, if they can overcome Wrexham at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

England ‘C’ international Brodie, in front of watching Coventry boss Chris Coleman, headed in the only goal of the game on 72 minutes from a Neil Barrett corner.

Earlier, City had created the first chance of the night when Chris Carruthers’ excellent left-wing cross was glanced wide off Brodie’s head on three minutes.

The home side responded with a 20-yard Lee Tomlin free-kick that deflected off the Minstermen wall and over.

Shortly afterwards, Rushden ’keeper Dale Roberts pushed away a sidefooted Carruthers effort from the edge of the box.

From the resulting inswinging Barrett corner, Roberts could only punch as far as Michael Rankine.

But the former Diamonds striker, booed on his return to Nene Park, failed to silence his critics when he dragged an eight-yard attempt wide.

At the other end, Aaron O’Connor raced on to a Jefferson Louis through ball after being played onside by City’s James Meredith but fired against the foot of Michael Ingham’s right-hand post.

Jamie Stuart’s close-range header from Tomlin’s corner then struck Alex Lawless, who was covering the near post, before travelling across the goal-line and being cleared by Meredith.

Moments later, O’Connor’s left-wing cross ricocheted wide off Tomlin’s backside.

A sluggish start to the second half saw O’Connor fire the first chance after the restart wildly wide from the edge of the box.

On 49 minutes, Ingham then caught Max Bryne’s rising, swerving shot from a similar distance.

O’Connor became the first player cautioned by previously-lenient referee David Coote after 59 minutes for a poor challenge on Meredith.

City boss Foyle made an attacking move just past the hour when he introduced Michael Gash and Adam Smith for midfield anchorman Levi Mackin and Rankine, with Lawless brought inside from the right flank.

Gash had an early chance to mark his arrival, but got his feet mixed up in the home penalty box.

On 72 minutes, though, the marauding Meredith won his side a corner.

Barrett’s flag kick was then swung on to the head of a charging Brodie, who headed in from six yards.

City survived a late scare as Coote played more than two minutes of the minimum five he had earlier indicated.

Former Minsterman Craig Farrell, on as a 73rd substitute, had a goalbound shot from a corner, but it was deflected into Ingham’s hand and the visitors enjoyed a fourth clean sheet in five games.

Match facts

Rushden and Diamonds 0, York City 1 (Brodie 72)

York City: Michael Ingham 7, Daniel Parslow 8, David McGurk 8, Luke Graham 8, James Meredith 8, Alex Lawless 7, Levi Mackin 7, Neil Barrett 8, Chris Carruthers 7, Michael Rankine 7, Richard Brodie 8.

Substitutions: Adam Smith (for Mackin, 72), Michael Gash (for Rankine, 72), Andy Ferrell (for Lawless, 90).

Not used: Gall, Mimms.

Key: 10 – Faultless; 9 – Outstanding; 8 – Excellent; 7 – Good; 6 – Average; 5 – Below par; 4 – Poor; 3 – Dud; 2 – Hopeless; 1 – Retire.

City’s star man: James Meredith – made an important goal-line clearance, won the corner for City’s goal and was committed throughout.

Rushden and Diamonds: Dale Roberts, Simon Downer (Jack Ainsley, 46), Curtis Osano, Jamie Stuart, Kurt Robinson, Mark Byrne, Paul Terry (Cliff Akurang, 81), Max Porter, Lee Tomlin, Jefferson Louis (Craig Farrell 73), Aaron O’Connor.

Subs (not used): Joe Day, Matt Pattison.

Yellow cards: O’Connor 59.

Shots on target: R&D 4, City 2.

Shots off target: R&D 4, City 2.

Corners: R&D 6, City 5.

Fouls conceded: R&D 15, City 10.

Offsides: R&D 3, City 5.

Referee: David Coote (Notts).

Attendance: 1,117 (153 City fans).