Manager Ricky Marheineke reckons St Ives Town are in the driving seat for a Southern League Premier Division play-off place following a ‘massive’ success last Saturday.

Marheineke is referring to the signifance of the result rather than the size of the scoreline in a 1-0 triumph against Ware at ProEdge Westwood Road.

Declan Rogers struck the decisive blow with a cool finish six minutes before the break to register his first goal since joining Saints a couple of months ago.

They now find themselves four points off the summit following a number of midweek fixtures involving other high-flying teams. They are also in possession of a three-point buffer over the team immediately outside the play-offs, and also possess a game in hand. in action.

Marheineke said: “The win against Ware was as important as any result we have picked up all season. It was massive to get three points on a day when seven of the top eight teams in the table all won.

“We cannot afford to lose any ground at such a vital stage – and we can’t allow the chasing teams to gain on us either.

“We’re in the driving seat for a play-off spot at the moment, but things can change very quickly.

“It was great to see Declan get his first goal. He had been disappointed not to take a good chance at Bedford in our goalless draw there on Easter Monday, but he responded very well.

“He is a great lad and has been a good addition since he came in.”

Saints hit the road for Beaconsfield SYCOB this Saturday (3pm) and will be without defender Steven Gentle, who starts a three-match ban following a recent dismissal.

Marheineke is bracing himself for a stern test even though the hosts have fallen out of play-off contention.

He added: “Beaconsfield are one of the best footballing teams we’ve faced and expect it to be a very difficult game.

“They’ve probably got too much ground to make up to be in with a chance of reaching the play-offs themselves, but they’ve beaten some top sides at their place and we can’t afford to be added to that list.”