Diamonds Earn Derby Win

Due to the wet weather, only two of the scheduled six matches in the Evo-Stik League South East went ahead on New Year`s Day.

However, one of those was the derby at the New Eyrie between Bedford Town and leaders AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

And a crowd of 590 saw a lively first half played in heavy conditions in which neither side could trouble the scorers.

But the deadlock was broken after 67 minutes as Diamonds sub Ben Diamond provided the assist as Ben Farrell re-directed the ball past Eagles` keeper Kyle Forster and into the net.

The visitors almost added a second in the 81st minute when a cross-cum-shot from Diamond had to be tipped over the bar by Forster.

However, just before the end of normal time, Diamonds` left-back Sam Brown hooked the ball off the line to prevent a Bedford leveller.

Diamonds now possess a five-point lead over second-placed AFC Dunstable, and have a game in hand too.

The day`s only other game saw Thame United move up to seventh, three points off a play-off place, after a 3-1 win over second-bottom tenants Aylesbury United.

The match got off to a quick start, with Thame opening the scoring after only 2 minutes when Lynton Goss through on goal and calmly placed the ball wide of Ducks` keeper Jack Sillitoe.

Then on 13 minutes, Lynton Goss delivered the free-kick on to the head of Dan West, who beat Sillitoe via the underside of bar for 2-0.

However, it became 2-1 on 69 minutes when a corner was headed home from close range by Tre Mitford.

But Thame re-instated the two-goal cushion 5 minutes later with another Goss assist for West again to head wide of Sillitoe and in to the back of the net.

Source Pitchero Non League / Steve Wintney