St Ives 4 Upminster 2 --- ICY conditions forced a last-minute pitch inspection before the match was given the go-ahead, but Ives made the opportunity count with an important victory. Saints were looking to turn round their poor form since Christmas, but got o

St Ives 4 Upminster 2

ICY conditions forced a last-minute pitch inspection before the match was given the go-ahead, but Ives made the opportunity count with an important victory.

Saints were looking to turn round their poor form since Christmas, but got off to a bad start when visitors Upminster snatched the lead with a shot that cannoned in off the post.

Further pressure from the visitors was absorbed, but Ives couldn't get a foothold in the game until Upminster were reduced to ten men.

A short corner was neatly dispatched by Ben Scarrow to draw the teams level, but parity was short-lived as Upminster hit back and restored their lead at the break.

Ives came out in positive fashion in the second half as they looked to get back on terms, and James Moise's thunderous reverse-stick shot made it 2-2 to swing the momentum towards the Saints.

Saints began to exert their influence and create regular chances. A clever flick from Dave Land teed Derrick Pope up to score from close range.

Pope then doubled his tally with a powerful shot from the top of the D to kill the game off, and Ives calmly saw out the remaining 10 minutes to wrap up the points.

nIves travel to Cambridge University II on Saturday.

ST IVES IV defied their lowly league position to share the spoils with Ely City III in a 1-1 draw.

Ives took the game to Ely and a first-half goal by Alex Cleland was richly deserved. Further chances followed, and more composed finishing from Michael Jenner and Mick Forsdick could have extended Ives' lead.

Ely kept the pressure on but strong defending by Andrew Bunting, Ben Coxen and Trefor Jones frustrated their attackers. Ely eventually found the net late in the second half to deny St Ives a much-needed three points.