But overall this was a wasted opportunity as a fourth successive win would have lifted one of the highly-fancied promotion contenders into third place.

Colin Little put Altrincham ahead just before the break and it took until the final 15 minutes for Knight to ensure there wasn't a third home defeat so far this season.

Diamonds went into last night's game boasting a 100 per cent home record against Altrincham who had failed to score in their previous four visits to Nene Park.

Everyone expected another easy night. But early efforts from Lee Tomlin and Phil Gulliver failed to provide a platform for Garry Hill's side.

Although Daryl Clare and Leon Knight showed signs of linking up well, they certainly need much better service and it took 25 more minutes for Tomlin to threaten with a long-range drive.

Full report and reaction in Tuesday's Evening Telegraph

Altrincham's tactics gradually paid dividends and Little
was denied shortly before the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time.
One of Curtis Osano's trademark runs through midfield was ended and
Diamonds were caught out on the counter-attack with Gulliver unable to halt Lee Elam down the left flank.

The ball was eventually cut back to Little who smashed a left-foot shot into the top corner inside Alan Marriott's near post.

With less than an hour gone Hill had seen enough of another lacklustre performance – sending on Lee Phillips for what could have been an immediate impact. However his shot was blocked by Stuart Coburn and a penalty claim by Knight was rejected.

Phillips forced a near-post save and Chris Hope failed to convert Tomlin's cross but Diamonds continued to struggle until Knight finally found an equaliser.

Tomlin's corner was met at the far post by Gulliver and Knight claimed the final touch in front of the Peter De Banke Terrace, much to the relief of the home supporters.


Read all about the Diamonds on our new website and have your say on the team by clicking here. Or send in your comments by email by clicking here.


Rushden & D'monds: Marriott, Osano, Gulliver, Hope, Corcoran, Tomlin, Wolleaston (Lee Phillips 58), Woodhouse, Burgess (Rankine 73), Clare (Kelly 73), Knight.
Subs Not Used: Day, Jelleyman.

Booked: Corcoran.

Goals: Knight 77.

Altrincham: Coburn, Densmore, Lane, McGregor, Young, Doughty, Senior (Denham 70), Lawton, Danylyk, Elam (Peyton 76), Little (Johnson 83).
Subs Not Used: Street, Meechan.

Goals: Little 44.

Att: 1,341

Ref: A Halliday (West Yorkshire).