CALLUM Griffin’s double saw Lichfield City wrap up their home league fixtures with a 2-1 win over AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
The two sides traded early half-chances at the Trade Tyre Community Stadium, with the visitors forcing Leighton McMenemy into a good block, while at the other end a shot flashed just wide of the target.
But it was Rushden and Diamonds who broke the deadlock when Ollie Evans lashed a shot past Brendon Bunn with just seven minutes on the clock.
City tried to hit back immediately, but Jack Edwards saw his near post shot go wide of the target.
The visitors thought they’d doubled their lead when the ball found the net from a corner, but it was ruled out for a foul on Bunn.
Rushden and Diamonds sent a header wide while Finlay Shorrock rattled the woodwork as the two sides continued to trade opportunities.
Visiting keeper Ben Heath did well to prevent Lichfield equalising before the break as he denied both Edwards and Griffin.
City were given a helping hand ten minutes into the second half as Isaac Smart’s effort was blocked by an arm for a penalty. Griffin stepped up and made no mistake with the spot kick.
The visitors tried to restore their lead, but Bunn produced a smart low save to keep out a header.
Edwards then sent an effort over the top at the other end as City went in search of a winner.
The crucial goal eventually came eight minutes from time when Griffin unleashed a strike into the top corner after neat play from Jude Taylor and the returning Sonny Sheasby.
