Exeter City 1-1 Rushden and Diamonds 

Exeter caretaker-boss Eamonn Dolan made an instant impact as his side earned a point against high-flying Rushden.

Dolan was handed the role after John Cornforth was sacked following last weekend's home defeat by York.

And the club's former youth director saw his players more than match a Rushden side who would have gone top of the Third Division with a victory.

Exeter could not have got off to a better start as they scored from their first meaningful attack of the game.

Andrew Roscoe whipped in an inswinging corner from the right touchline and Steve Flack rose highest to head home his fourth goal of the season.

The home side continued to enjoy the better of the early exchanges and Flack tested Rushden goalkeeper Billy Turley again from long range.

Confusion

But Rushden gradually found their rhythm and there was little surprise when they were back on level terms before the half-hour mark.

Exeter defender Santos Gaia misjudged a long upfield punt, allowing Duane Darby to race clear, beat goalkeeper Kevin Miller and slot home.

The home side were dealt a blow on the stroke of half-time when an injury forced veteran striker Don Goodman out of the action.

But they could have regained the lead shortly after the restart.

Another inswinging corner from Roscoe caused confusion in the Rushden defence but Neil Whitworth directed his header wide of the target.

Rushden pressed for a winner in the closing stages but Exeter's defence stood firm to earn a deserved point.

Exeter: Miller, Simpkins, Whitworth, Gaia, Hiley, Roscoe, Walker, Cronin, Coppinger, Flack, Goodman. Subs: Fraser, Power, Ampadu, Moor, Lock.

Rushden & D'monds: Turley, Mustafa, Hunter, Peters, Underwood, Hall, Mills, Gray, Wardley, Setchell, Darby. Subs: Sollitt, Bell, Talbot, Duffy, Dempster.

Referee: R Oliver (W Midlands).