Diamonds boss Peaks is left frustrated once again

Andy Peaks was frustrated after another draw at home for AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Diamonds battled out a 1-1 stalemate with Lincoln United to extend their unbeaten run in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South to 15 matches.

But the draw was Diamonds’ sixth at home this season, a statistic which has ultimately prevented them from breaking into the top five at the moment.

And while Peaks was disappointed with the final outcome, he conceded that with the way his team started and finished the game, it may even prove to be a point gained.

Diamonds fell behind in the first half but levelled things up thanks to Tom Lorraine’s header after Lincoln striker Jordan Hempenstall had been sent off.

But Diamonds were eventually reduced to nine men after Brad Harris and Fazel Koriya were both dismissed for second bookable offences.

And Peaks said: “It was another frustrating afternoon at home for us.

“When you are looking to get three points and only get one, it’s always disappointing.

“We are pleased to keep the good run going but we’re not happy to have dropped two points.

“But, saying that, from where we were at half-time and how we finished with nine men, it’s probably a point gained again.

“I didn’t think we got going in the first half, we didn’t play with enough tempo and we didn’t win enough first or second balls.

“It was almost like we were waiting for stuff to happen. We needed to grab the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and I thought we did for a spell.

“I thought we would go on and get the winner after we got the goal, we had plenty of time to do it. We had a decent 20-minute spell where we opened them up and they got a couple of blocks in at crucial times.

“But then we have had two red cards and they have the man advantage and, at that stage, we are probably quite happy to take the point.

“They are a decent team, let’s give them a bit of credit as well.

“You are never going to win every game. I am disappointed we have dropped more points at home, of course.

“But as long as we are picking up points away from home like we are then we will be okay.

“I’m frustrated because I want to win games at home and, at the moment, we aren’t doing enough to make it happen.”

Diamonds now have a full week to prepare for a big game next weekend when they make the trip to take on leaders Shaw Lane, who are unbeaten at home in the league this season.