Diggin hit hat-trick as Saints earn three more points

Saints returned from Boston United with three more Vanarama National League points following Saturday’s 3-2 victory.

Diggin’s first half hat-trick put Kevin Wilkin’s side in charge at the interval. But Boston mounted a second half comeback and it took a penalty save from Laurie Walker and a superb last minute stop from the Saints keeper to preserve all three points.

Saints took a 15th minute lead when Glenn Walker’s cross found James Armson whose header was blocked and Diggin pounced to knock home the rebound. Armson went close before Saints doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute with the influential Glenn Walker again playing a big part, his far post cross being tucked away by Diggin.

Lee Ndlovu saw his effort tipped over by Dion-Curtis Henry before Diggin completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. But Lewis Hilliard reduced the arrears four minutes before the break following a mix-up.

Boston were given a great opportunity to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty on the hour mark. But Hilliard saw his ensuing spot-kick turned around the upright by Laurie Walker.

Greg Smith pulled another goal back in the 65th minute with a far post header from Hilliard’s pin-point cross. But Saints had chances to put the game to bed as Diggin and Glenn Walker were denied by Henry who also saved Gareth Dean’s header.

And those chances could have proved costly when Smith looked to have earned a point late on only for Laurie Walker to somehow foil him from point-blank range.