Rushden gained a hard earned 2-1 victory over bottom of the table Chesterfield to bring to an end a miserable recent run.
Rushden started the better and on five minutes a dangerous cross by Andrew Burgess almost let in Duane Darby but Carl Muggleton just managed to gather to avoid the danger.
Rushden took the lead after 12 minutes when central defender Barry Hunter headed home a corner from Stuart Gray but 45 seconds later Chesterfield equalised when Marvin Robinson headed home following a free kick by Allan O'Hare.
In a hectic period of play Rushden regained the lead after 14 minutes when Muggleton punched only as far as Paul Hall, who found Rodney Jack and he shot home from the edge of the box.
Chesterfield should have equalised on 18 minutes but Ian Evatt shot wide when well placed.
Andrew Burgess, who was having an excellent game in midfield, produced some magic on the edge of the box on 23 minutes and he tested Muggleton with his fierce drive and minutes later Burgess again went close with a volley.
Chesterfield came out in the second half looking more positive with substitute Mark De Bolla replacing Stuart Howson and he immediately began to make an impression.
On 55 minutes De Bolla almost deceived Billy Turley who deflected his shot over the bar.
On 61 minutes a Burgess header from Hall's cross was saved by Muggleton and, a minute later, Burgess should have increased the lead but he headed over when unmarked in front of goal.
Chesterfield pressurised Rushden in the closing stages but they lacked the cutting edge to open up the resolute home defence.
It was Rushden who almost went further ahead on 74 minutes when Burgess produced another magnificent run, but he shot over, and three minutes later Burgess gave substitute Gary Mills a chance to score but the midfield man shot wide of the post.