St Ives Town boss Ricky Marheineke watched his players make FA Cup progress . . . then told them they must do better.

A solitary Joe Peacock goal earned victory at lower-level Welwyn Garden City in the first qualifying round yesterday.

The striker made the breakthrough in the opening minute of the second half, but Saints had to survive plenty of scares to emerge victorious.

Marheineke admitted: “We were very impressive in the first half, but we didn’t take the chances that we created.

“We eventually got the goal early in the second half, but it didn’t really kick us on in the way we hoped.

“Welwyn had the lion’s share of possession and chances from then, but fortunately they didn’t capitalise and we came through it. That’s all that matters in a cup game as it is a results industry.

“The lads stuck together to get us into the next round and get some prize money in the bank, but they are well aware we need to be better.

“We spoke to the players at the end of the game. We need to improve the way we manage games and our tactical awareness, and show a bit more experience.”

St Neots Town will have to come through a Tuesday replay to join them in the second qualifying round.

David Batch’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at lower-level Tilbury yesterday. They hit the front through Connor Hall in the 33rd minute, but debutant goalkeeper Andy Wilton, who arrived from Dereham Town late last week, was beaten with 13 minutes remaining.

Godmanchester Rovers continued their habit of putting 10-man opponents to the sword as they moved to within a point of the top of the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division yesterday.

Michael Hyem hit a hat-trick in a 7-0 away triumph against a Long Melford side who had a defender dismissed with 35 minutes gone.

Rovers were already ahead at that point thanks to an early Hyem opener and their remaining goals followed in the second half.

Luke Seaber-Shinn doubled the lead, Hyem hit his second on the hour and full-back Lewis McDonald struck the pick of Rovers’ goals.

Tom Spark and James Hall got in on the act before Hyem completed his treble late on.

New boss Scott Witherall could not inspire an immediate upturn in fortunes for Huntingdon.

Town were beaten 3-0 by Harborough in a United Counties League Premier Division clash at Jubilee Park as their long wait for a win continued.

Eynesbury were pipped by a late penalty at unbeaten leaders Kirby Muxloe. Rovers went down 2-1 in Leicestershire after captain Tom Coles had equalised just before the hour.

St Neots Saints are still waiting for a first Division One win of the campaign. They went down 2-0 to ON Chenecks yesterday.