Steve Fletcher struck in the closing minutes to hand Crawley a deserved but narrow victory at Rushden & Diamonds.

The former Chesterfield striker got on the end of Dannie Bulman's cross to thump a header into the roof of the net from just five yards out.

Earlier, Andrew Burgess went close to breaking the deadlock for Rushden when his free-kick was tipped over the bar.

But Crawley enjoyed the better chances and Danny Forrest poked their best one wide before Fletcher struck late on.

Rushden & D'monds: Marriott, Corcoran, Hope, Burton, Roberts, Osano, Wolleaston (Beecroft 80), Woodhouse, Burgess (Kelly 80), Lee Phillips (Rankine 56), Knight.
Subs Not Used: Gulliver, Smith.

Booked: Burton, Knight, Woodhouse, Hope.

Goals: Fletcher 90.

Att: 1,376.

Ref: R West (Beverley).