Matt Tubbs scored a hat-trick as Crawley beat nine-man Rushden and Diamonds 4-0 to equal two Conference records.

Victory ensured the Reds matched Aldershot's Conference record of 101 points and also Altrincham's landmark of 28 league games unbeaten.

Rushden were up against it from the 11th minute when they were reduced to ten men after Gary Mills was sent off for an off-the-ball incident.

Crawley took a while to get going and needed a gift of a goal to take the lead on 34 minutes.

Dean Howell crossed from the left, Craig McAllister's downward header was shepherded back by Shane Huke to keeper Simon Evans who somehow lost it from his grasp and Tubbs was left with the simplest of finishes for his 37th goal of the season.

The Reds threatened a second goal ten minutes into the second half when keeper Evans made fine saves from McAllister and Josh Simpson before Ben Smith lobbed wide of the far post.

On 67 minutes Evans made a wonderful save when Scott Neilson met Howell's cross with a firm header. From the resultant corner, McAllister's header came back off a post and Tubbs swivelled to fire home rebound.

Three minutes later Rushden almost halved the deficit but Scott Shearer pushed away Jamie Day's goalbound free-kick.

McAllister then fluffed a great chance to add a third for Crawley.

Tubbs completed his treble with eight minutes remaining with a flicked header over a helpless Evans from Neilson's cross.

Rushden were reduced to nine men in the first minute of stoppage time when Max Porter was sent off for a second yellow card.

Moments later substitute Jamie Cook put the gloss on victory with a stunning strike from 30 yards.

For reaction, pictures and analysis see The Argus tomorrow.