Frustrated boss Sandy left to rue Diamonds' late-season 'implosion'

With a club record crowd of 1,242 cheering them on, Diamonds looked in complete control of the game when substitute Cairo Taylor bundled in Rushden’s second goal on 77 minutes to make it 2-0.

But that only proved to be a prelude to a dramatic last 10 minutes.

Firstly, Diamonds defender Curtis Hartley was sent off after an off the ball incident.

The visitors scored from the resultant penalty before drawing level in injury time.

With seconds remaining, Coleshill then thought they’d scored the winner – and secure a play-off place in the process - only to see the assistant referee flagging for for offside.

Boss Elliot Sandy said: "This game sums up our end of season run-in.

"At the start of the season we targeted a top 10 place and 10 games ago we were in a great position to not only do that, but go on and make the play-offs.

"After four consecutive wins, we should have beaten Boldmere in mid-March, but two players seeing red and two more players being sent off at Loughborough cost us dear.

"Many of the last 10 games we should have won, but in truth we have capitulated and we end up in a disappointing 12th spot.

"Decisions can go against you and there are always highs and lows, but is also true that you make your own luck during a season.

"In truth we have imploded."

After several indifferent campaigns, Diamonds fans have enjoyed some attractive football on offer this season.

And with Sandy’s late appointment affecting recruitment at the start of the season, Rushden fans will be hoping that the manager can retain the core of the current squad, while using his extensive contact book to add some exciting new players to take the club towards the play-offs next season.

With a forward-looking board and a hungry young manager, Diamonds are certainly heading in the right direction.