Proud boss Bob Warby hailed the character of his Huntingdon Town players as triumph followed adversity.

The Hunts Post: Jordan Brockett came closest to a goal for Huntingdon in their defeat to Newport Pagnell.Jordan Brockett came closest to a goal for Huntingdon in their defeat to Newport Pagnell. (Image: Archant)

Warby’s men produced a terrific turnaround in form when winning 2-1 at Peterborough side Northern Star in their United Counties League Premier Division curtain-raiser last night.

Addie Staffieri’s first goal for the club and a Jordan Brockett strike were enough to earn victory as Huntingdon stood strong despite seeing their advantage halved late on.

It was a fine result for a club who won only two league games all last season - and even more impressive as it arrived just five days after they had been sent tumbling from the FA Cup by a 12-0 defeat at Yaxley.

Warby said: “I am delighted for the boys as they were all written off by people outside the club following the FA Cup result.

“We are resilient enough to know that game didn’t represent what we’re about.

“The atmosphere at training on Monday was impressive and the character of the players was clear to see last night.

“There are always lessons to be learned in adversity and this provided proof that with hard work and character, you create the opportunity to earn rewards.

“Any player who chooses to play for Huntingdon in our current scenario (Town operate without a playing budget) needs to have a big heart before signing on the dotted line. This definitely isn’t a club for the faint-hearted!”

Staffieri fired Huntingdon ahead in the 24th minute last night when striking against one of his former clubs.

Town squandered a gift-wrapped chance to double their lead when Brockett saw a penalty saved 11 minutes later, but it didn’t prove costly.

But Brockett did provide a second goal when finishing smartly midway through the second half.

Hosts Star hit back through substitute James Hill-Seekings with eight minutes to go, but it was Huntingdon’s night.

Warby added: “I am not naïve enough to think we will be respected after this result. We will remain as the proverbial fat kid who doesn’t get pick until last, but I’m alright with that.

“Many people didn’t want us in the Premier Division this season – in fact I’m pretty sure even the UCL don’t was us in there.

“But the FA ruled that is where we must play and we just get on with it. No whinging, no whining and no making excuses is our philosophy.

“It feels good to be disliked by so many people who don’t know what we are about as a club.

“We will focus on what we do, game by game and baby step by baby step. We aren’t going to get carried away by this result as we know the hard work has only just started.”

Huntingdon now have two successive home games. They entertain Kirby Muxloe on Saturday and Newport Pagnell on Wednesday.