Coca-Cola League Two

MACCLESFIELD were dragged back into a relegation battle after going down by a single goal against struggling Rushden and Diamonds.

Drewe Broughtonés 79th-minute winner handed the hosts, bottom of the table before kick off, victory at a blustery Nene Park. And it could have been far worse but for two world-class saves from on-loan goalkeeper Tommy Lee, while Diamonds also had goals disallowed either side of half-time.

But it was the manner of the second half performance which was most alarming. After producing a battling display in difficult conditions to go in at the break on level terms, the Silkmen were expected to press home their advantage after the interval. But so insipid was the display, and so toothless were Macclesfield up front, there must be grave concerns that, unless a targetman is found soon, the Moss Rose outfit will have an uncomfortable final 12 games.

"Thatés as bad as weéve played all season," said Horton. "The commitment was poor and only Tommy Lee and Teaguey can take any credit; eight or nine of our players just didnét turn up. They worked harder than us and thatés not acceptable. But I should have changed it second half and gone more positive - I have to accept the blame for that."

Lee showed why he is rated so highly at Manchester United after reacting brilliantly to keep out Broughtonés snapshot on 16 minutes. And he made an even better save five minutes later to turn Tony Stokesé shot round the post.

The visitors received a let off on the half-hour mark when Tyrone Berryés égoalé was disallowed for a push on Andrew Teague, and Diamonds had another effort chalked off four minutes after the restart when Stokes unnecessarily turned in Darren Caskeyés goal-bound lob from an offside position.

Macc nearly snatched victory when a John Miles lob drifted inches wide on 75 minutes on a difficult afternoon for the enigmatic striker. In a rare start, he cut a forlorn figure on his own up front, and his misery was complete when was booked for diving when he had strong claims for a penalty after being bundled over by Marcus Okuonghae.

The dangerous Broughton then won it for Diamonds when powered a header past Lee. "He was the difference between the two teams," said Horton, of a player his own side are crying out for.

RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS: Crane, Gier, Broughton (Mikolanda 84), Caskey, Hatswell, Nicholls, Bull, Kelly, Okuonghae, Stokes (Tomlin 55), Berry (Hunter 90). Subs (not used): Savage, Jackson. Booked: Broughton.

MACCLESFIELD: Lee, Sandwith, Morley, Swailes, Bullock (Townson 82), Harsley (Beresford 82), Miles, Whitaker, McIntyre, Teague, Smart. Subs (not used): Deasy, Bailey, Briscoe. Booked: Miles. Star man: Tommy Lee.

Referee: Carl Boyeson.

Attendance: 2,478 (135).