Wisbech Town were unable to break down the eight men of United Counties League leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds on a wet, miserable afternoon at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium.

Within the first couple of minutes, Fenmen keeper Lea Jordan was called into action to make a smart save from Tom Lorraine.

But, on six minutes, he could do nothing to stop Rushden captain Richard Bunting’s stunning free kick from nestling in the top right hand corner.

Wisbech fell two behind mid-way through the half. Russell Dunkley took over free kick duties and drilled his effort through the wall and into the net via the right post.

The Fenmen were struggling to get out their own half, yet alone threaten the Rushden goal, but they were given a lifeline when Bunting was given his marching orders for a rash challenge on Neal Spafford.

But, even down to 10 men, the visitors were more than a match for the hosts and, five minutes into the second half, Fazel Koriya curled an exquisite shot into the top corner.

Moments later, Rushden found themselves down to nine men – Sam Brown was given a straight red for bringing down Josh Ford as he approached the area.

Ford picked himself up and smashed the free kick into the bottom left hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.

With 25 minutes still to play, Rushden were reduced to eight men, Dunkley was the third man to get an early bath after getting a second yellow.

But, despite taking up residence in the Rushden final third for the rest of the contest, the Fenmen could not break down the resilient and well organised visitors.