RUSHDEN and Diamonds manager Brian Talbot has admitted that the destiny of the Nationwide Conference title is now out of their hands -- on the eve of Saturday's showdown at Kidderminster Harriers.

A 2-0 home defeat against Morecambe on Tuesday left second-placed Diamonds three points adrift of Harriers, having played a game more.

The former Ipswich and Arsenal player says his team must win the all-ticket clash at to stand any chance.

"If we lose on Saturday it is going to make it very difficult for us.

"The hardest thing is I have got to pick the players up. Everyone thinks the season is over, but I want to finish as well as possible for us and the supporters."

Talbot believes their recent home form has cost them dearly. "The players have given it their best shot, but in five home games on the trot in the league recently we have won two, drawn two and lost one --that's just average form."

All 6,250 tickets for the match have been sold and Harriers are urging fans without tickets to stay away.