Blues continue to struggle

Arlesey Town 1 Leamington 4 The Blues were beaten at home on Saturday by a Leamington side whose 100 per cent record continued with their ninth victory out of nine. Arlesey are beginning to look a side in need of a massive injection after a fifth consecut

Arlesey Town 1 Leamington 4

The Blues were beaten at home on Saturday by a Leamington side whose 100 per cent record continued with their ninth victory out of nine.

Arlesey are beginning to look a side in need of a massive injection after a fifth consecutive defeat.

The Blues were missing keeper Martin Peat, allowing Jordan Houghton to take his place between the sticks for only his second start of the season, while Richard Pringle was restored up front and Paul Bloss made his first start since his injury at Brentwood.

Leamington, brimming with the confidence, moved the ball quickly and in midfield both Jackson and Stanley looked to create for eager strikers.

Houghton made a fine save at the expense of a corner to deny Jackson the opening goal in the 15th minute.

But the visitors were not to be denied when, in the 21st minute, Arlesey were caught on the break for Saunders to play the ball behind the home defence allowing Bellingham to net with a cross-shot.

Eight minutes later, referee Field gave a contentious penalty as allegedly Shane Brown handled in the box with no appeals, Bellingham making no mistake from the spot.

In the 39th minute, a limping James Dillnutt was replaced by Matthew Clarke, and in the 43rd minute Arlesey were thrown a lifeline when Owen Beale crossed from the right to the far post and Matt Kimani netted with a close-range header.

Arlesey did not inspire on the restart and soon lost Jamie Osborne with a groin injury to be replaced with Arin Fehmi.

Houghton managed to keep out a Husband shot at the expense of a corner and Blake volleyed over from six yards.

In the 63rd minute, Leamington made it three when, from a Hier corner, Blake rose above the home defence to head home.

The only home reply came from Beale who forced Morris into a fingertip save from a free-kick. Immediately from the corner the league leaders broke away and substitute Beckley hammered home the fourth from fully 25 yards.

A brilliant stop by Houghton saved further blushes for the home side.

Blues: Houghton, Bloss, Brown, Moran, Dillnutt, Allen, Beale, Gutzmore, Pringle, Osborne, Kimani.

Subs: Clarke, Hester, Fehmi, Beaumont, Francis.