Rushden extended their winning streak to six games as they were gifted a victory by Macclesfield substitute Lee Hardy.

Desperate defending looked to have earned the relegation-threatened Cheshire side a much-needed point.

But Hardy picked attempted a suicidal backpass to Duane Darby in the 81st minute.

Darby in turn fed Jamaica international Onandi Lowe, who slotted home his seventh goal of the season from close range.

Lowe had twice been denied by some last-gasp defending when his goalbound shots were cleared off the line by Steve Macauley and Steven Hitchen.

The hosts' best effort came from Darren Tinson, whose opportunist shot from close range was cleared off the line by Barry Hunter.

Macclesfield: Wilson, Tinson, Macauley, Welch, Hitchen, Priest, Little, Munroe, Adams, Eaton, Lightbourne. Subs: Martin, Hardy, Askey, Abbey, Brackenbridge.

Rushden & Diamonds: Sollitt, Underwood, Hunter, Peters, Bignot, Bell, Mills, Wardley, Hall, Darby, Lowe. Subs: Naylor, Talbot, Sambrook, Duffy, Dempster.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)