Diamonds smash six past Arlesey

Their high-flying hosts were ruthless in front of goal and in the second half put the Blues to the sword in front of 330 spectators at the Dog and Duck.

However Diamonds didn’t have things all their own way on a perishing night. Indeed, they were forced to battle back after Arlesey took the lead in this Southern League Division One Central clash inside the first six minutes.

Saul Williams played in Lewis Wilson who cut back inside before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Arlesey worked hard to close down the hosts and frustrate them for a time after the goal.

However Diamonds worked their way back into things and levelled on the half-hour.

Andy Hall, who was the best player on the pitch, saw his cross loop up off a defender and, with goalkeeper Nick Thompson out of position, Lewis Leslie rose to nod home his second goal in as many games.

A corner routine straight off the training ground ensured the hosts were in front before the break as Hall swung his delivery to the far post, Jack Ashton headed it back and Tom Lorraine was there to apply the finishing touch.

Diamonds dominated proceedings in the second half.

Hall tormented left-back Sam Willett and the defender hauled the winger down just past the hour and Hall stepped up to sent Thompson the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Matt Finlay was forced into a smart save as he turned Williams’ free-kick round the post but it was Diamonds who continued to threaten with Hoban curling a set-piece just wide before Thompson held another long-range effort from the winger.

Diamonds blew the Blues away with three more goals at the end.

Hall had his second with a low shot across Thompson after good work from Stevenson and his second hat-trick for the club was completed when he was again brought down by Willett and again got up to beat the goalkeeper, who got more than a hand to this one, from the spot.

But there was still time for Hall to create one more as he slipped the pass through for Shawn Richards who raced away from his marker before stroking the ball into the far corner.

On Saturday Arlesey’s match at Aylesbury was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. This Saturday they host Godalming Town.