Arlesey hit for six at St Ives

The Southern League Division One Central game was in doubt up to an hour before kick off as parts of the ground were still quite hard. But both managers were eager to get the game on and the referee’s decision to proceed proved the correct one.

The visitors created an opportunity in the ninth minute when Dylan Gittens was denied the chance to score, and Wilson headed inches wide from the resulting corner.

St Ives went in front just a minute later as Ben Seymour-Shove capitalised on a defensive error to grab his first of the afternoon.

Ives always looked dangerous against a very shaky Arlesey defence. A second goal always looked likely, but when it arrived on 26 minutes it was a nightmare for the visitors. Phil Draycott delivered a low in-swinging cross and Arlesey skipper Andre Maltay took a swing at the ball to attempt a clearance but completely missed it. Keeper Nick Thompson somehow missed the dipping ball which bounced on into the net.

Arlesey went close just past the half hour as Harry Carr set up an opportunity for Gittens who drove the ball across the face of goal. Christian Tavernier looked to have the simple task of side footing it home, but somehow he only succeeded in firing the ball back into the grateful arms of keeper Tim Trebes.

Just a few minutes later the impressive Danny Watson played a one, two with Seymour-Shove before firing home from ten yards to give Thompson no chance.

The fourth goal arrived early in the second half as Draycott crossed for Seymour-Shove to score his second from close range.

The fifth came on 67 minutes as Watson found himself clear and calmly slotted the ball under the advancing Thompson.

Peter Clark carved out the sixth goal and Seymour-Shove’s hat trick with seven minutes to go. He skipped past a couple of tackles before feeding the ball out to Seymour-Shove who turned inside his marker and struck a low drive with his left foot.

Arlesey will look to bounce back when they host Kings Langley on Saturday.