In the five years that Rushden and Diamonds endured their first spell as a National Conference club, they finished in the top 4 on four occasions. Two-time FA Cup winner Brian Talbot was now the man in control of this rapidly expanding club, but where to go next. The only way is up.
The season started well. Top of the table by the end of September, it looked as if the Diamonds were well on the way for another top 4 finish. Disastrous form during October and November put a dent in these ambitions. Losing 5 games on the trot, the East Northamptonshire outfit found themselves 7 points being Yeovil Town, who also had 2 games in hand, come Christmas. In a dramatic change of fortune, however, Brian Talbot’s men went on a 17 game unbeaten run. Was this the chance?
The month of April was going to be ‘do or die’. Rushden were set to face championship rivals Yeovil Town at Huish Park. Almost 9,000 people watched what was considered as the game of the season. Talbot’s tactic was to defend; and how this worked. The Diamonds left the West Country with a crucial point. Four games remained, and it was the Diamonds to lose.
The unexpected became reality, as Rushden and Diamonds won their remaining games, in addition to Yeovil losing to a last gasp winner by Hereford in the penultimate game of the season. Max Griggs had bought these two struggling Northamptonshire teams together, and created a masterpiece.
Over 3,000 Rushden and Diamonds fans travelled to Chester City for the final game of the season, knowing the Championship and promotion was already in the bag. A Jon Brady strike in the 92nd minute made the day even sweeter as Rushden and Diamonds left the Deva Stadium with a 2-1 victory, in addition to the Championship Trophy
Final Day Celebrations
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