LOVERS of free-scoring all-out attacking football should make a note of the dates of matches between these two sides next season.

For this 6-2 home success on Saturday means that the teams have shared no fewer than 16 goals in their two games this term.

Following on from the 4-4 draw at Arlesey in November, and in a match that had little to offer apart the winners possibly finishing 13th, defence was abandoned as the two sides fought out a thrilling goal fest.

It was a match that had everything - eight goals, countless bookings, two sending-offs and the home side's Neil Richmond notching a remarkable hat-trick in little more than five minutes.

The visitors took a 12th minute lead when a wickedly spinning effort from Leon Gutzmore, who once scored 50 goals in a season for Billericay Town, squirmed out of the hands of home keeper Louis Green and into the net.

There was more than a suggestion of a foul on an Arlesey defender by Mark Cartlidge before the home midfielder levelled on the stroke of half-time, but at this stage there was little sign of the thrills to come.

Top scorer Martin Tuohy squeezed home his 20th goal of the season after 54 minutes to put the village hosts in front and outstanding midfielder Sam Clarke made it 3-1 following good work by Richmond with 23 minutes to go.

An own goal by Louis Sparrow reduced the arrears to 3-2 after 70 minutes and, as the clock ticked away, that looked like being the final result.

A combination of poor finishing and outstanding saves from Green stopped Arlesey grabbing an equaliser.

But, after Arlesey captain Ryan Oliva was ordered off after 85 minutes for a foul on Sean Foy, having previously been one of five players booked, Richmond took over.

He volleyed home his first in superb style after 89 minutes, took advantage of a Clarke set-up to grab his second a minute later , and made it at hat-tick in the third minute of injury-time from the penalty spot after a foul on Clarke.

Home boss Iain O'Connell was ordered from the dugout after racing from his technical area to complain about a foul by Gutzmore on promising young full-back Grant Khory-Davinson.

He said: "The referee said I was being sent off for coming out of my technical area and inflaming the situation, but the Arlesey manager raced past me from his area to get to the scene and escaped punishment.

"After six straight defeats, and only four home wins all season, we wanted to give our fans something to look back on with good memories during the summer and we certainly did that today.

"I don't remember ever seeing a quicker hat-trick than Neil's. Games between us and Arlesey certainly seem to produce plenty of goals."

Wakering finish their season with away trips to Maldon (tomorrow) and Northwood (next Saturday).

l Saturday's game was preceded by the presentation of the supporters' player of the year trophy by Mick Elks to popular skipper Nikki Beale.

Beale was given a round of applause from his team-mates following an impressive run of form that was recognised by fans, staff and his colleagues alike.

The popular player was handed a statuette featuring two players on a smart wooden base by Elks, himself a very popular figure at the club.