Manager Ricky Marheineke praised his substitutes after St Ives Town produced a late show to secure a third successive victory yesterday.

The Saints struck twice in the final 10 minutes of a 4-2 win at Uxbridge in Southern League Division One (Central) to retain their grip on the final play-off spot.

Manager Ricky Marheineke was full of praise for replacements Phil Draycott, Danny Watson and Luke Knight, who all impressed after being introduced.

Draycott hit the 82nd minute clincher which arrived only 90 seconds after Jack Higgs had given them a crucial advantage in an exciting clash.

Marheineke said: “As a manager, you look round and want to see players capable of coming on to effect a game.

“Phil, Danny and Luke all did that and contributed massively to a match that was 2-2 ending 4-2 in our favour.

“It is vital we keep on winning at this stage of the season and the fact other teams around us were beaten is an added bonus.”

The two teams traded goals in the opening five minutes with Danny Moyes hauling Saints level after an Andrew Phillips effort had crashed back off the bar.

It was Saints’ turn to hit the front early in the second half when Ben Seymour-Shove struck, but again an advantage proved to be short-lived as Uxbridge replied within seven minutes.

But the hosts had no answer after Higgs had edged Saints back ahead with a classy volley before Draycott sealed the points when firing under the body of the home goalkeeper.

Marheineke added: “It was a really entertaining game.

“I was disappointed to see us concede so early on, but then pleased by the fact we responded so quickly.

“We created other chances in the first half without hitting the target or working their goalkeeper enough, but we managed to address that by adding a bit of quality in the second half to get the win.

“There were some high-quality goals to help us pick up an important result.”

St Ives will climb into fourth position if able to beat Potters Bar on Tuesday at ProEdge Westwood Road.