New boss David Batch enjoyed a winning start to his St Neots Town reign on New Year’s Day.

Brothers Ryan and Nathan Frater both struck against their former club as the Saints swept to a 3-1 away success at Dunstable Town in the Southern Premier Division.

Ryan broke the deadlock when converting a Tom Ford corner early in the second half, but the lead was short-lived as the hosts levelled.

Sibling Nathan restored the advantage after being picked out by a cross from Drew Roberts and the top-scorer then clinched victory himself with his 20th league goal of the campaign.

Batch’s debut triumph leaves St Neots outside the play-off places due only to an inferior goal difference.

It has been a miserable festive season on the pitch for St Ives.

Ricky Marheineke’s men suffered a second successive Southern League Division One Central defeat when being beaten 2-0 at Bedford Town yesterday.