LOWESTOFT LIFT OFF TO FRUSTRATE DIAMONDS

LOWLY Lowestoft gained a deserved point at play-off chasing Rushden.

The visitors forged ahead in the 23rd minute. A mistake in the Diamonds defence was latched onto by Ben Fowkes, who powered into the area and calmly stroked an effort in.

The Trawlerboys had only won one away league game so far this season but they almost doubled their lead when Shaun Bammant had a curling shot parried.

Rushden drew level with the very last kick of the half when Ben Diamond was brought down and Ben Farrell stepped up to dispatch the penalty.

The hosts, only one point ahead of the playoff, improved in the second half and came within inches of going ahead when striker Tom Lorraine saw a header come off the far post.

They hit the upright again when a loose ball bounced off away defender Adam Tann and dribbled past the keeper only for it to hit the other post to Lorraine's header.

Lowestoft could have won it in the closing stages when Henry Pollock miscued a Bammant pull-back, and then they had late appeals waved away for a penalty.

Albie Hopkins curled a strike over for the Diamonds, but both sides were forced to settle for a point in the end.