United Counties League Premier Division St Ives Town 2 Desborough Town 1 A LATE, late goal from Lloyd Howard on his return from suspension gave Saints their second win in five days. A dull first half continued after the break and the game seemed to have 0

United Counties League Premier Division

St Ives Town 2 Desborough Town 1

A LATE, late goal from Lloyd Howard on his return from suspension gave Saints their second win in five days.

A dull first half continued after the break and the game seemed to have 0-0 written all over it until a lapse of concentration in the Saints defence on 73 minutes handed Desborough the lead.

The visitors' Matty O'Neill powered home a header from a corner after confusion in the home defence and it seemed the points would slip away.

However, the setback galvanised Saints into life and Anton D'Avilar's strong run inside the last 10 minutes led to a trip in the penalty area.

Captain Will Fordham stepped up to power home the penalty and equalise.

More good work from D'Avilar and Liam Kennett paved the way for Howard to celebrate his return from an eight-game ban with a fine winner.

There was still time for a scare at the back and keeper Rob Mackney had to be at his best to pull off a fine save and secure all three points.

Joint manager Jez Hall said: "There have been a couple of games this season where we've lost when we didn't deserve to, but this was a game we probably shouldn't have won.

"If they hadn't scored it looked like the game would peter out to a 0-0 but we dug deep and we're in a good run of form in the league."

Meanwhile, St Ives Town Reserves had a fine 3-2 win at Huntingdon Town in the League Cup, with Jamie Blackwell, John Gall and Ian King on target.

Saints faced a tricky trip to Potton United last night (Tuesday) and are on their travels again this weekend when they visit Long Buckby.