ST IVES Town scored their first goal in front of their own fans in their fourth home game of the season – but needed two penalties to do it.

UCL Premier Division

St Ives Town 1-0 Peterborough Northern Star

ST IVES Town scored their first goal in front of their own fans in their fourth home game of the season – but needed two penalties to do it.

A match of three spot-kicks finally turned in St Ives Town’s favour when Dan Matson converted from 12 yards with 10 minutes of the game left.

Peterborough Northern Star posed a physical challenge for the Saints in a goalless first half, but there were chances for both teams.

David Cobb crashed a shot off the bar for Ives then fired just over within the first 20 minutes, and PNS striker Karl Gibbs saw his shot come off the post, and defender Morgan Phillips scrambled the ball off the line.

Saints were dealt a blow in the second half when full-back JP Duncliffe was adjudged to have fouled in the area, but Mark Baines emulated Cobb by hitting the underside of the bar and the game remained goalless.

Seven minutes later the ref pointed to the spot again, but Ozie Foster’s penalty was saved well by Nick Conroy.

On 80 minutes Matson was felled in the area, but he picked himself up to make it third time lucky by slotting home from the spot.

Saints co-manager Jez Hall said: “We beat a good team, but I think all three penalties were pretty debatable. But after having gone three games at home without a goal, we were getting a bit nervy, and their goalkeeper was outstanding.

“Now we need to start climbing a few more positions. We are in a false position in the league, and if we can string the points together then we can jump up the table.”