NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Phillips turns the screw for St Ives Town while Huntingdon heads can be held high
Andrew Phillips struck the only goal for St Ives Town. Picture: LOUISE THOMPSON - Credit: Archant
Manager Ricky Marheineke admitted he is relishing the Southern League Division One (Central) run-in after St Ives Town maintained a strong grip on the final play-off spot today.
Andrew Phillips struck for the third time in two games as Saints triumphed by a solitary goal in a tough clash at Hanwell Town.
Phillips’ classy effort arrived midway through the first half, but just as important to the Saints cause was a contribution at the other end of the pitch.
Debutant goalkeeper Brendan Brown pulled off a fine stop when Marheineke’s men were under pressure in the second half.
“Our first-half performance was outstanding and we could easily have been a lot further ahead,” said Marheineke.
“It was always going to be difficult to maintain that level for the full 90 minutes, but I can’t question the attitude and togetherness of the players.
“We came under a lot of pressure in the second half, but we dealt with it well to come away with a clean sheet and a fine result.
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“I have to give a special mention for Brendan. The game may well have finished 1-1 but for an absolutely unreal save from a young lad making his debut.
“We’re still in decent shape in the table with 10 games to go. I’m going to enjoy the run in and I want the players to do the same.”
Joe Goodall hit his first Huntingdon goal as Town emerged from a tough United Counties League Premier Division trip to Leicester Nirvana with their heads held high.
Rock-bottom Town were pipped 2-1 by a home side who climbed back to the summit courtesy of their success.
But it was a much-improved effort from Bob Warby’s men who had crashed 8-1 against the same opponents in the reverse fixture only a fortnight earlier.
Huntingdon now find themselves 18 points from safety and their inevitable relegation could be confirmed as early as next Saturday.
Eynesbury Rovers’ trip to Rothwell Corinthians was postponed while Godmanchester Rovers’ home clash against Long Melford in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division suffered the same fate.
