Match Report

Diamonds took a big step towards reaching the play-offs with victory at mid-table Redditch on Non-League Day.

They took the lead after only seven minutes when Shane Bush’s knockdown was terrifically fired home by Jesse Akubuine, and the hosts continued to struggle with crosses into their box and set-pieces throughout the first half. Captain Alex Collard thumped in a header from Nathan Tshikuna’s corner and, after Liam Dolman had a curling strike held, Alex Collard made it three on the stroke of half-time when he forced a Connor Furlong corner into the net at the back post. Redditch had somehow not scored just before that third goal when Aram Soleman was denied by a combination of Dolman and Paddy Casey, a moment that would prove pivotal.

The home side upped the pressure in the second period, though Diamonds defended well to restrict them to only a few chances and threatened a number of times on the counter-attack. Lauric Diakiesse went close twice and Tshikuna saw a goalbound effort blocked away, with home striker Daniel Sweeney also having an effort deflected wide by Dolman. Redditch pulled a goal back when Ryan Edmunds curled a free-kick in from the right, and they almost had another to set up a grandstand finish when sub Kieron Dawes long-range strike was unbelievably clawed onto the bar by Dean Snedker. Rushden saw out the rest of the game though to move six points clear in fifth place with a game in hand.