Lee Milton hopes to bring stability and success to Huntingdon United.

The new player-boss suffered defeat in his first Cambs League game at the helm last Saturday as United went down 2-0 at Buckden in Division 1B.

But former Somersham Town man Milton is happy to be in position ahead of schedule and optimistic about the future for a club which has endured a turbulent few months.

Former boss Scott Witherall – now in charge at Huntingdon Town – resigned at the end of last season and his replacement Tim Stidwell quit before a ball had been kicked competitively this term.

That left chairman Lenny Smith in charge of team affairs until he persuaded Milton to arrive late last month.

Milton said: “I had already agreed with the chairman that I would come on board next season, but we bumped into each other in the pub recently and it ended up with me coming in earlier than we had previously planned.

“The first goal is simply to stabilise the club after some tough times. It is a challenge that excites me and one I think I can be successful in.

“I’ve played for the club in the past, my two brother-in-laws both play for the club and I feel I can help it move forward.

“I’ve added half-a-dozen new lads which will add quality and depth to the squad, and hopefully we can get a win on the board sooner rather than later.”

Huntingdon were beaten by two first-half goals at Buckden. Jonathan Love volleyed the opener before Dom Smith doubled the lead.

United were twice denied by the woodwork in the second half as leading scorer Dom Everett sent efforts against the bar.

New boss Milton will hope to collect the first victory of his reign this Saturday when taking on a team that shares his name - United host Milton Reserves at Sapley Park base.

Meanwhile Buckden boss Jack Goodger is hopeful of mounting a promotion challenge as his side attempt to play catch-up. They have played only three league games to date and the success against Huntingdon was their first outing on home soil.

Goodger said: “It is far from ideal to be have played so few games and I would much rather be sat with points on the board.

“I certainly don’t want a backlog of Tuesday and Thursday fixtures next April.

“The plan is to challenge for promotion this season and I feel we have the squad to do it after bringing some good lads in.

“Last season we were often in a situation of having a bare 11 players with me being manager, linesman and substitute, but those days are gone.”

Buckden face another home derby this Saturday against an unbeaten Alconbury side seeking a third successive promotion.

Darrell Clarke’s men triumphed 3-2 at Swavesey Institute last Saturday thanks to goals from Matt Claxton, Michael Drage and substitute George Pearson.

St Ives Rangers leaped off the bottom of Division 1B thanks to a first success of the season. Jack Rayner struck twice to inspire a 3-0 success over March Town Reserves. Jamie Freeman hit the other goal.

Simon Kitchener hit a hat-trick as Eaton Socon Reserves slammed Over Sports Reserves 6-0 in the same division.