Exeter City 3 Rushden and Diamonds 1.

Saturday 7 December 2002.

Referee: J Ross

Att: 2277

BBC match report –

Division Three strugglers Exeter City comprehensively outclassed high-flying Rushden & Diamonds to progress with ease into the third round of the FA Cup.

City dominated the first half, although they only had one goal to show for all their possession, James Coppinger`s pass allowing Barry McConnell to hammer the ball into the net after 20 minutes.

A controversial penalty saw midfielder Justin Walker double their advantage after 62 minutes, although the visitors were given hope when Onandi Lowe found the net to set up a tense finish nine minutes later.

Brian Talbot`s side threatened to force an equaliser but as the match neared a conclusion, McConnell found substitute Renier Moor, who sealed the win with a low drive with five minutes remaining.

Exeter: Fraser, Hiley, Gaia, Pilkington, Roscoe, McConnell, Ampadu, Walker, Pettefer, Coppinger, Flack. Subs: Rice, Breslan, Moor, Power, Lock.

Rushden & D'monds: Sollitt, Bignot, Peters, Dempster, Underwood, Hall, Mills, Wardley, Gray, Duffy, Lowe. Subs: Naylor, Darby, Setchell, Bell, Talbot.

Referee: J Ross (Essex)