Forest Green 0-1 Rushden

Rushden and Diamonds secured their place in the Blue Square Premier while denting Forest Green's chances of sneaking into the play-off places in a closely contested affair at New Lawn on Saturday.

Andrew Burgess scored the only goal of the match on 61 minutes with a well-taken right-footed strike from12 yards out having been fed in the box by Abdelhalim El Kholti's left wing cross.

Rovers were the stronger side for much of the first half and created chance after chance with Stuart Fleetwood, Ismael Welsh and Adriano Rigoglioso all looking menacing on attack.

But with every opportunity missed the visitors confidence grew and the away support were rewarded when Burgess made no mistake with his best opening of the game.

Credit must go to Rushden keeper Terry Burton who with little to do for large periods of the match produced an excellent save from the newly introduced Jon Challinor in stoppage time to ensure victory.

Forest Green bookings: None.

Rushden bookings: Corcoran, Rankine.

Ref: C Harwood.

Att: 1,177.