 However, he failed to score in his next ten league games for the club and departed at the end of his contract.In January 2003, Battersby linked up with Hucknall Town, scoring a penalty on his debut in the 2–0 away victory over Lincoln United in the UniBond chairman's Cup quarter-final on 25 January 2003.After impressing in two reserve team games, he agreed to join Rushden & Diamonds on a non-contract basis, debuting in the 2–2 draw at Darlington on 8 February 2003.