A GOAL either side of half-time was enough to secure a first league win of the season for St Ives against Rothwell Corinthians. Saints fielded an unchanged side from their emphatic 6-1 FA Cup win last Saturday, and started the stronger of the two sides. E

A GOAL either side of half-time was enough to secure a first league win of the season for St Ives against Rothwell Corinthians.

Saints fielded an unchanged side from their emphatic 6-1 FA Cup win last Saturday, and started the stronger of the two sides. Early chances fell to Will Fordham and Declan Rodgers, who both saw their efforts saved by Brad Wilson in the Rothwell goal.

Wilson could not stop Saints making the breakthrough after 13 minutes, when Carl Taylor crossed from the left and Rodgers knocked down for Fordham to finish from six yards.

Saints had chances to go further ahead but Wilson's dogged performance kept the lead to one goal at the interval.

twAfter 53 minutes it was 2-0 when a fine move involving Washington, Foster and Jamie Blackwell worked space for Washington to finish from 12 yards out.

Rothwell tried to claw their way back into the game with an effort on 69 minutes which rattled Armitage's crossbar, but their efforts were few and far between as Saints closed out the game.

Washington nearly claimed his second on 72 minutes but was thwarted by another goal-line clearance.

Ives' best chance of a third goal came through Fordham, but his late penalty was saved by Wilson, who enjoyed an excellent game.

St Ives co-manager Warren Everdell said: "We could have made it more comfortable for ourselves with amount of chances we had but their keeper played well and kept us from running away with the game."

St Ives now turn their attentions back to the FA Cup and a tie against Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.

"It's going to be a tricky tie. We need to turn up and perform like I know we can," said Everdell. "It's a big day for the club and I hope we can progress through to the next round.