Walsall Wood ended their season in defeat on Saturday afternoon as goals at each end of the game from Ethan Johnston and Dylan Wilson secured three points for visitors AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

The Wood were made to rue missed chances and failed to score at home for the first time since August, as Charlie Manners and Kev Monteiro both missed a number of key chances.

The Wood were down to bare bones for the game as both Josh Mansell and Tyreace Brown were suspended and Asa Charlton was injured.

Since arriving in November, manager Ian Long emphasised the importance of starting games well, but recent games had not reflected those ambitions.

The visitors started the game strongly and took the lead with just three minutes on the clock as an unmarked Johnston headed the ball in at the back post.

Diamonds continued to dominate the possession, but could not advance with any clear-cut chances. Wood had their first chance of the game in the 22nd minute as Ross Evans’ attempt was fired over the bar.

Wood grew into the game and came close on the half hour mark as Claudio Dias’ attempt at the near post was blocked by Ben Heath.

Wood were handed a lifeline three minutes later as Ryan Inman handled the ball in the box, but Charlie Manners smashed his effort against the crossbar and was unable to turn home the rebound.

Despite trailing, the Wood bounced back with a strong start to the second half as Manners saw his shot deflected before Corey Cooper shot into the side netting after receiving the ball from a corner.

Rushden’s relegation was confirmed in added time, but that didn’t stop Wilson striking the ball into the bottom right corner to double the lead.