St Neots Town gave a pleasing account of themselves against Football League opposition today.

The Southern League Premier Division side were pipped by a solitary goal from League Two visitors Cambridge United in what has become a regular summer fixture at the Premier Plus Stadium.

Matt Clements’ men came within seconds of a goalless draw in front of a near 700 attendance, but Cambridge eventually made a breakthrough in stoppage time thanks to Jabo Ibehre, who pounced after a Brad Halliday shot was spilled by Saints goalkeeper Martin Conway.

He was one of two shot-stoppers to appear for the club, playing the second period after Michael Emery had been between the sticks in the opening 45 minutes.

St Neots had gone closest to breaking the deadlock when Jevani Brown hit the bar against one of the teams rumoured to be keen on him.

“It was a really good performance,” said boss Clements. “We didn’t just sit with 10 men behind the ball and try to hang on for a draw.

“We looked dangerous at times – especially in the first half. We did get a little sloppy as the game wore on and allowed a team with plenty of quality to hurt us a bit too easily.

“It’s always frustrating to concede so late in a game – even if it is just a friendly – but there are a lot of positive vibes.

“I was impressed by what I saw from us and so were the Cambridge management.”

Andre Olukanmi, a former Leicester City youngster, Claudio Dias, who was with National League side Braintree Town last season, and Ryan Horne, who had a brief spell with the club a couple of years ago, also featured in Saints’ starting line-up.

Winger Olukanmi, forward Dias and midfielder Horne will be involved again in a friendly at Potton on Tuesday.

Central defender Lewis Ferrell, who has played in National League South in the past, and Jack Bradshaw, who was at St Ives for much of last season, appeared in the second period. They will also get more minutes at Potton.

Saints weren’t the only local non-league team in action yesterday. Eynesbury Rovers beat their own reserve side 2-1 while Huntingdon Town lost 4-0 to Ely City.

Other friendly results: Huntingdon Tn 0, Ely City 4; Brampton 4 (Gearing 2, J. Miles, Cresswell), Huntingdon Utd 1 (Everett); Fenstanton 0, AFC Stanground Sports 1; March Tn 6, Ramsey Tn 0, Cambridge Uni Press 3, St Neots Res 3 (Cooke 2, Fulianty).