DIAMONDS’ CUT DOWN
DIAMONDS missed out on the play-offs by goal difference after suffering a defeat to Nuneaton. Manager Andy Burgess said: “It’s absolutely devastating to miss out on the final day. We put some pressure on later in the game but it wasn’t enough and we were punished.”
The hosts knew a draw or Alvechurch failing to beat Royston, would secure a top-five place while Nuneaton’s safety was confirmed in midweek.
It was the away side who began the brighter as home keeper Dean Snedker was forced into an early save, Charlie Dowd had a goalbound strike charged down and Luke Benbow hit a bobbling effort that was easily held.
Rushden struggled to keep the ball and build any pressure in the first half, though they did fashion a chance when striker Will Jones’ header from a deep free-kick was caught.
Nuneaton took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when Benbow’s knockdown was clinically fired home by Dowd off the inside of the post.
They should have doubled their advantage moments later only for Snedker to deny Anthony Dwyer, and Cain Noble hammered the rebound narrowly wide.
Diamonds improved after half-time, but they still were unable to create many clear-cut chances.
They were indebted to the experienced Snedker who made a terrific stop after a quick break forward, and Dwyer also fired milimetres past the post from range.
With Alvechurch leading, the home side needed a goal and they started to up the ante.
Nathan Tshikuna slammed a freekick over, Connor Furlong’s corner somehow evaded a throng of players, Paddy Casey’s header across goal was desperately hacked clear and Liam Dolman shot over, although the offside flag had been raised.
Five minutes of additional time were signalled, and there was almost some late drama when Tshikuna’s cross from the left looked like it would fall for Jones to scramble home.
However, the referee blew for a foul on the keeper, and the full-time whistle was soon blown as Rushden’s season ended in heartbreak.