DAVID Cobb says he has walked back into an ‘unbelievable squad’ at St Ives Town after re-signing for his former club following a short spell with Soham Town Rangers.

The 30-year-old midfielder decided to quit Soham late last week when player-manager Andy Furnell was replaced by former Histon boss Steve Fallon.

His first game back was against Irchester United at Westwood Road on Saturday – a game that the Saints won 7-1 with star striker Conor Washington scoring four of the goals.

“Conor took all four of his goals well today and you can see his goals this season will once again make a difference,” said Cobb. “It’s an unbelievable squad and the key is definitely how strong we are at the back. There is strength in depth from the goalkeeper Niall Conroy-Owen through to whoever plays up top.”

It was Cobb – who is not related to St Ives’ other Cobb, Stuart – who played the ball in from the left wing for Washington’s first goal inside a minute.

That set the tone for the game and Scott Fielding also came close with two efforts in the first 20 minutes. Arron Last’s 25-yard volley kept the Irchester goalkeeper Harry Allington on his toes and on 33 minutes he made a fine double save but was beaten a minute later when Washington latched on to a long punt from Conroy-Owen. Washington’s striker partner Fielding got number three soon after.

On 61 minutes a quick free kick by Jamie Alsop allowed Last to strike a low 25-yard shot which beat the goalkeeper – and Ozie Foster netted number five with just 12 minutes remaining.

Irchester pulled a goal back soon after that but Washington completed his hat trick and then got his fourth inside the final 10 minutes.

Cobb, who left St Ives for Soham after just three games this season, also joined St Neots for a short spell last year, but things didn’t work out there. He was persuaded to join Soham – who play in Division One North of the Ryman League, a step higher than St Ives – by his friend and then manager Furnell.

“I felt I had a fairly quiet game but was effective as I managed to set up the first,” he said. “I came off in the second half and got a big round of applause from the supporters.

“The fans and the club are brilliant here and I’ve always been made to feel very welcome. There is nowhere better to play.”

The Saints were in action again on Tuesday night, at Desborough Town – and on Saturday they are away at Blackstones.