Not so marvellous for Marvin

UCL Premier Division

Holbeach United 2 St Neots Town 1

ANOTHER poor result leaves St Neots facing a finish in upper mid-table following a run of just one win in six games.

Manager Marvin Johnson said he was disappointed with the result, which he felt could have been avoided.

"We controlled the game for much of the time," he said. "We should have left with at least a point but we made two mistakes and paid heavily for them."

Two controversial penalties saw the Tigers to victory in a game that had seen the visitors take a deserved lead immediately after the break.

The first half saw St Neots enjoy the bulk of the possession and create several chances but Holbeach went closest to a goal when Tommy Treacher's long-range effort struck the visiting crossbar.

The second half was barely a minute old when Dean McElroy gave St Neots the lead. Dean Hamilton threaded a pass through to Chris Johnson whose precise cross picked out McElroy, who gladly accepted the chance to open the scoring.

The lead last little more than 10 minutes before Matt Warfield squared the match with a spot kick after Omar Joof was brought down by St Neots goalkeeper Jon Chatfield.

Ten minutes later Warfield scored a second penalty after Tony Russell was adjudged to have handled. Further chances were created by both sides but it was the hosts that held on to the points on the final whistle.

Johnson praised his sides' efforts after the game: "I very pleased with the attitude and ability of the squad I've inherited," the former Luton Town legend said.

"I know that a mid-table finish is on the cards but with everything that is going on at the club next season holds lots of opportunities."

+ St Neots Reserves have a chance to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet after a surprise semi-final win in the Reserves League Cup. They ran out 2-1 winners against fancied Northampton Spencer with goals from Andy Sincock and Ben Cole.