DIAMONDS PLAY-OFF CHALLENGE IS BACK ON

AFC RUSH & D 2 NEEDHAM MARKET 1

RUSHDEN recorded a comeback victory to breathe fresh life into their play-off hopes.

The visitors, who had lost their last four games, took the lead in the 19th minute when striker Jamie Griffiths curled a sumptuous freekick over the wall.

Diamonds quickly responded when they levelled within three minutes. A long throw was flicked on by Alex Collard and it ran for Declan Rogers to sidefoot home.

The match had exploded into life, and Ben Farrell almost put the hosts into the lead straight after the equaliser only for the keeper to make a save.

They did take the lead just before half-time when a free-kick was inadvertently flicked on to Jack Bowen, and his floating header went over the keeper.

The second half was low on goalmouth action as the howling wind really took control of the match. Diamonds were forced into a couple of important headed clearances, particularly by Collard, and a header back by home defender Liam Dolman sped past his keeper but also past the post.

The away keeper was also forced into action as he parried away a Rogers free-kick, but all the work had been done in the first half as Diamonds saw out the game in the end to move back into the play-off places. STAR MAN: Alex Collard (Rush) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★