A ONE goal defeat was not how Town would ideally have wanted to end their season. But, having suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Sleaford on their own ground earlier in the campaign, St Ives were clearly out to prove that they were a much better outfit than that previous result would suggest.

There was little chance of another goal fest in this mid-week game, as both defences gave precious little away. In fact the visitors had to wait until 10 minutes from time for the goal that was to decide the outcome of this match.
Schoolboy international Tom Siddons was rested ahead of Saturday's game between England Under 18s and Scotland, which England went on to win 2-0.

Without the young England striker, Town lacked their normal penetration. They switched Matt Lunn, who started up front, and Paul Reece, who began the game on the left, mid way through the match in a bid to change the pattern of play but to no avail.

Although disappointed to end on a losing note, Town boss Brian Rowland was very pleased with the way his charges have coped in their first season at this level.

After a mid-season dip in form had seen the side slip perilously close to the drop zone, an impressive run of six wins in eight games saw them shoot up the league to near mid-table respectability.

Rowland said: "I was disappointed to end the season with a defeat but to be fair St Ives were the better team on the day.

"But, overall, I have been pleased with the way the team has performed in our first season in the Premier Division. We had a spell where we kept losing games by the odd goal but in the second half of the season we did really well and finished near to mid-table, which is where we had hoped to be.

"The team spirit has been very good throughout and I think we can look forward to next year with a certain amount of confidence."

*Town have certainly learnt a lot in their first season in the United Counties Premier Division, and have given a good account of themselves.

The return to form of ace striker Jamie Shaw has been one of the bonuses for Town this year, as has been the emergence of strike partner Tom Siddons. On his day Matt Lunn has been a tremendous handful for many a defence and Matt Hodgkin has made a big impression at right back.

Throughout the squad players have given their all for the Town cause and if the club can strengthen the squad still further during the summer the side will be hoping to make even more of an impression next season.