St Ives Town manager Ricky Marheineke insists there could not have been a more fitting match-winner for the club last Saturday.

Defensive stalwart Daniel Moyes – playing through the pain of a broken nose – headed the only goal to earn Saints a vital Southern League Premier Division victory against fellow strugglers Gosport Borough at ProEdge Westwood Road.

Moyes converted a corner from recent signing Declan Rogers just before the hour and only moments after a stunning save from goalkeeper Tim Trebes – to deny Gosport man Pat Suraci – had kept them on level terms.

And Marheineke’s side had to survive another scare in the dying seconds when Jack Breed fluffed a golden chance to haul the visitors level.

“If there is one person to turn to in a time of need it is Daniel Moyes,” said Marheineke.

“He told me at training on Thursday that he wanted to be considered for selection despite having the broken nose – and he is just the sort of player we need in this situation.

“Hard work, commitment and dying for the cause are guaranteed from him and it was fitting that he got the goal to earn such an important result.”

Moyes’ contribution secured just a fourth league victory of the season for St Ives. It was a positive result which lifted them nine points clear of second-bottom Gosport and gave them a 10-point buffer over rock-bottom Dunstable. Only the bottom side are relegated this season.

Marheineke added: “We haven’t been able to find a way of winning games often enough and that’s the reason we are in a poor league position.

“We have allowed a hell of a lot of points to slip after being ahead in games.

“We probably should have had the game killed off before the big let-off at the end, but we’re due a bit of luck go our way.

“It was a big game for both teams and delighted to come away with the win.”

Marheineke handed a Saints debut to left-back Luke Warner-Eley, who arrived from Uxbridge recently. Rogers also made a first start of his second spell with the club.

Saints visit Premier Division leaders King’s Lynn on Boxing Day.