Diggin pops up to earn derby victory for Saints

The hit man scored the winner in the 76th minute as Saints got back to winning ways following Saturday’s stalemate with Worcester City.

The goal was the highlight of an assured second half performance that saw City well marshalled throughout and left fighting for scraps while, at the other end, there were half a dozen chances for the visitors.

The home side’s rare sight of goal saw Steve Basham twice go close and Tom Winters bring Billy Turley racing from his goal to snuff out the danger before the winger struck a free-kick just over.

In between, Saints went close through Brett Solkhon’s fine header which Mark Scott tipped over, Glenn Walker saw his shot beaten away and Diggin was twice on the end of moves without hitting the target.

After the break it was one-way traffic. Just before the hour mark Diggin found Izak Reid who picked out Walker and he tested Scott to the full.

Solkhon’s header skimmed wide and Gary Mulligan again brought the best from Scott getting his head onto Reid’s cross but the solitary goal and a fourth clean sheet were enough to secure a third win from the opening four games.

Created by a cleverly flighted pass by Walker beyond the defenders and Diggin’s perfectly timed run, the finish was explosive and clinical. Diggin allowed the ball to drop and a single bounce took him towards goal, two defenders on his heels, before firing home leaving Scott no chance.