Manager Ricky Marheineke insists St Ives Town will not rest on their laurels after the finest year in the club’s history.

The Hunts Post: St Ives Town lifted the Hunts Senior Cup in April.St Ives Town lifted the Hunts Senior Cup in April. (Image: Archant)

Saints gained promotion to Step 3 of the non-league system for the first time thanks to their Southern League Division One (Central) play-off final triumph during a stellar 2016 which also included Hunts Senior Cup glory.

They end the year sitting in mid-table in the tough Southern League Premier Division with safety already looking assured - and Marheineke is determined to ensure ambitious Saints “kick on” again in 2017.

He said: “I think we’re all disappointed to see 2016 come to an end because it has been such a memorable year for the club.

“We enjoyed a great run in the second half of last season which culminated in promotion.

“It was an unbelievable achievement and something which happened at least a season or two earlier than we imagined it would.

“The play-off final itself was a wonderful occasion and I’m sure no-one involved or present will ever forget it.

“The success provided us with a tough challenge at the highest level of football the club has ever played at.

“It started well, but we had a huge dip in form which was very worrying, but thankfully with the support of the board, the players and the supporters, we have come through it.

“I believe we now have a squad that belongs in the Southern League Premier Division and, hopefully, we can finish this season on a high before looking to kick on again in 2017/18.

“The club is flourishing and we need to ensure we continue to do the job on the pitch to complement the work being done by the chairman and directors off it.”

St Ives begin the new year with a January 2 trip to King’s Lynn Town. They’ll need no extra motivation to claim victory in Norfolk after Lynn knocked them out of the FA Trophy earlier in the season.