Harriers 1
Rushden 1

HARRIERS captain Chris McPhee spurned a golden chance to win a spirited game against Blue Square Premier promotion hopefuls Rushden and Diamonds on Monday.

Talismanic McPhee's error had allowed Diamonds to take the lead against the run of play, but red-hot striker Darryl Knights levelled the scores.

McPhee was then presented with a chance to win the game for the Aggborough outfit but his last-gasp penalty was saved by keeper Dale Roberts.

Justin Edinburgh's promotion-chasers started strongly and dangerman Rob Wolleaston almost broke the deadlock early on when he flashed a low drive across the face of goal.

But Harriers, driven forward by midfield workhorse Dean Bennett, responded well and created several decent chances to score.

Lee Baker, restored to the side after a three-game absence because of a groin problem, saw a shot fly wide.

Brian Smikle came even closer when he saw a first-time effort skid just wide of Dale Roberts' left-hand post.

The hosts had taken control of the game and Robbie Matthews and Knights combined well to slice open the Diamonds, but Smikle's cheeky backheel was off target.

But an error by Harriers McPhee allowed Diamonds to go ahead in the 27th minute.

There seemed no danger when he had the ball 20-yards out from goal but he was too easily dispossessed by Max Porter, who then drilled a shot past a diving Jasbir Singh in goal.

Diamonds midfielder Nicky McNamara was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Jack Byrne in the centrecircle. The Rushden man was soon replaced by Paul Terry.

Smikle forced a fine one-handed save from Roberts in the 41st minute after he had athletically thrown himself at Knights' cross but the linesman's flag went up for offside.

The away side came out looking hungry for a second goal, with Aaron O'Connor shooting over the bar from the edge of the area.

But Knights levelled the scores in the 54th minute after some defensive indecision by Rushden. The visiting defence backed off a looping high ball and the striker nipped into the box and beat Roberts with a low shot 12-yards out.

Singh, who was selected ahead of on-loan Derby shot-stopper Ross Atkins, then preserved the status quo with a fine reaction save in the 61st minute.

Burly Diamonds hitman Cliff Akurang had thought he'd found the back of the net with a firm downward header, only for the former Shrewsbury man to dive down well and block it.

Smikle almost fired the hosts ahead in the 66th minute, but his rising effort forced Roberts into a fine one-handed save.

Harriers cranked up the pressure and McPhee almost atoned for his first half mistake but stabbed the ball wide from close range after a mazy run by Smikle.

Both sides went for the winner in the final frenetic few minutes but Harriers saw a golden chance to bag the home side's winner in the second minute of time added on.

Harriers were awarded a penalty when Smikle was hauled down by Roberts. McPhee stepped up to take the spot-kick and drilled it down the centre, only to see it blocked by the keeper's legs.

Knights almost made sure of all three points when he saw a low shot fly across the face of goal but the hosts could not find a winner and had to settle for a share of the points.

Harriers: Singh; Courtney; Riley; Prosser; Byrne; McPhee; Bennett; Smikle; Matthews; Baker; Knights.

Unused substitutes: Atkins; McDermott; Lawrie; Sharpe; Kerry.

Rushden: Roberts; Osano; Robinson; Porter; Stuart; O'Connor; Wolleaston; McNamara (Terry, 36); Smith (Louis, 65); Huke (Downer, 78); Akurang.

Unused substitutes: Byrne; Pattison.

Referee: Kevin Johnson (Dorset). Attendance: (1,463 (311).