AFC Rushden & Diamonds missed the chance to go top of Southern League Central Division on Saturday afternoon as their game against Arlesey Town was abandoned at half-time for a waterlogged pitch with the score 0-0.
The game had survived two pitch inspections in the morning and played pretty well for half-an hour until the rain started, and then became much heavier going into half-time. Diamonds had created some good shooting chances for Tom Lorraine, Tommy Berwick and for an almost perfect moment for the departing Sam Brown as he fired just wide on 29.
Matt Finlay was called into action to make a number of low saves in the mud from good Arlesey shooting chances too although the best opportunity was hacked wide by visiting striker Wilson from 15 yards with the goal gaping. Away keeper Thompson pulled off one world class save to deny Lewis Leslie as the half drew to a conclusion somehow pushing a rising volley over the bar before Arlesey had the ball in the net right on half-time only to see a late offside flag.
After a short delay as the conditions worsened the players came out onto the pitch to form up for the second half but in a great comedy moment referee Scrivens went to roll the ball across the surface bowls style only to see it splat into the mud in the centre circle in front of him. He immediately indicated the game was to be abandoned with the classic cross handed signal and the players trudged from the pitch.
There was just time for a standing ovation from the home crowd for Diamonds hero Sam Brown as he left the pitch on his 157th and final… for a while…. appearance. He played in the very first Diamonds game against Thrapston back in 2012 and is wished the very best for his world travels with hope to see him back at the Dog & Duck in the future. A genuine Diamonds hero.
Next up for Diamonds is the re-arranged home game on Tuesday night against St.Ives weather permitting.
