Happiness is returning to Huntingdon Town.

That was the message from Ryan Hunnings – one half of the club’s management duo with Jimmy Brattan – following a first win of their reign on Saturday.

Town triumphed 2-1 against Irchester at Jubilee Park to continue an encouraging start to the United Counties League Division One season following an opening deadlock against highly-touted Pinchbeck in late July.

Liam Rodden fired Huntingdon ahead with his first goal for the club, finishing coolly after the visiting goalkeeper misjudged a high ball into the box from Chris Down.

Town, who lost defenders Josh Watson (dead leg) and Odie Wason (concussion) to injuries during the first half, were pegged back on the hour.

But they soon responded to hit the front again as Jamie Waterworth struck from the penalty spot after debutant Keishon Wilson was clipped in the box.

“It was a case of the sooner the better in terms of getting our first win on the board,” said Hunnings.

“The spirit was rock-bottom when we came into the club and we’ve tried to make it a fun atmosphere again.

“The lads are starting to buy into the ethos that myself and Jimmy have and we’re pleased with the points we have picked up.

“We’re challenging the lads to pick up plenty of points in the early weeks of the season. There is a target for them to reach by the end of September which will stay on house, but we’re well on track with four points out of a possible six.

Huntingdon look to have good opportunities to boost that tally in the coming days as they now face back-to-back away trips to face sides yet to pick up a point this season.

They go to Oakham United on Saturday and then face managerless Burton Park Wanderers, who were bashed 15-0 by Harrowby at the weekend, next Tuesday.

Vastly experienced defender Matt Holland could make his debut at Oakham – one of his former clubs. Holland has played a wealth of UCL football with Yaxley and Bourne also among his former clubs.

Winger Lewis Bradley, who was with Hunnings and Brattan at previous club Langtoft in the past, has also arrived.