Match Report

Match Report

Diamonds emulated the mighty Bayern Munich on Saturday matching their incredible 8-2 score line against Barcelona on Friday night with the same score line against Wellingborough Whitworths in pre-season action.

Diamonds trailed 1-0 in the 7th minute but two good finishes from Ben Aquaye and a Ryan Hughes close range header had Diamonds 3-1 up at half-time. Whitworths pulled a really good goal back early in the second half but it was all Diamonds from there. Chris Wreh headed home from a corner, Ben Farrell coolly slotted a penalty after the flying Zack Reynolds was felled, and impressive second half substitute Will Jones notched a super hat-track to confirm his genuine ability.

The whole squad got a good workout again with the starting line-up having Munroe in goal, plus Zack Reynolds, Ryan Hughes, Jack Ashton, Liam Dolman, Ben Acquaye, Fernando Bell-Toxtle, Joel Gyasi, Matt Slinn and Tom Lorraine and one trialist. Patrick Casey, Ben Ford, Will Jones, Ben Farrell, Nat Gosnal-Tyler and Chris Wreh all came on at half-time with three trialists joining the action during the second-half.

Whitworths were really lively opposition and scored first on 7 minutes when a free-kick just outside the area was cut back for a good shot that Munroe blocked but only into the path of a striker to sweep home.

Diamonds responded well with a swift equaliser on 10 minutes when Tom Lorraine battled for the ball on the right side of the box found space and squared to Ben Acquaye to tap in. Acquaye scored again on 26 minutes latching onto a superb through ball controlling and driving a great finish into the bottom corner from the left hand side of the box. The well-deserved third came from a well worked free-kick on 36 minutes. Matt Slinn’s ball beyond the far post was headed back by Tom Lorraine and Ryan Hughes reacted first to head the bouncing ball past the keeper.

After the multiple substitutions Whitworths got a goal back in impressive fashion on 52 minutes. A great through ball put a forward in space and he controlled well battled past a defender and steered his effort home. Diamonds reacted well again and had the two goal lead back on 57 minutes. Chris Wreh met Ben Farrell’s inswinging corner with a neat headed finish from 6 yards.

Diamonds then added 4 goals in the last 15 minutes to match that Bayern Munich score line. First on 75 minutes Chris Wreh unselfishly pulled the ball back when running on wide of the keeper for the supporting Jones to tap home. On 79 minutes Zack Reynolds flew at the Whitworths defence and was felled in the box for Ben Farrell to coolly slot the penalty. Will Jones added his second and Diamonds 7th on 82 minutes as he ran through from half-way and showed great composure to slot beautifully past the keeper. His hat-trick goal owed a lot to persistence as he chased another through ball this time over hit but his challenge on the on rushing keeper earned him the ball and an easy run through to an open goal.

It might not have been Barcelona in the Champions League but it was fun to see free-scoring Diamonds match the spectacular Bayern Munich score line against hard-working Whitworths. The two games so far have shown the squad has good cover all over the pitch and 12 goals in two games show they have excellent attacking options. The emergence of Will Jones was a lovely bonus and he looked very much the part.

Radio Diamonds covered the game for the first time this season with over 100 listeners enjoying the coverage. Chairman Ralph Burditt and Vice Chairman Jon Ward joined the excellent Joseph McCormack to give some great insight for the listeners.

We all go again next Saturday with a trip to old friends Kempston Rovers. No fans of course but we hope to have the brilliant Bruce Greenberg back on the Radio Diamonds microphone to bring you all the action.

Match Report : Paul Judd