A late winner earned St Ives Town victory over the young prospects of Peterborough United last night.

Summer signing Tom McGowan headed the decisive goal in the closing stages to earn Saints a 2-1 triumph over the Posh Under 18s at ProEdge Westwood Road.

The two teams had earlier traded goals in the final few minutes of the first half. Andrew Phillips struck for the second time in as many matches to edge Saints ahead, but their advantage was quickly wiped out.

Saints boss Ricky Marheineke handed a first senior outing to 15 year-old goalkeeper Shay Griffiths as a substitute.

St Neots Town were beaten 5-1 by higher-level Chelmsford City last night at the Premier Plus Stadium.

James Hall struck in the first half when pouncing on a goalkeeping misjudgement to halve the hosts’ arrears.

But National League South side Chelmsford struck three further goals in the second half after Saints had made seven substitutions at the break.

Joint boss Andy Davies said: “It was a game of two halves for us.

“We competed well in the first 45 minutes and contested every ball against a very direct side.

“But making the changes at the break affected the flow of the game. We lost our shape and conceded some sloppy goals.

“The positive to come out of the game was seeing some great partnerships forming on the pitch.”

St Neots released midfielder Charlie Coulson after the game.

Eynesbury Rovers were beaten 2-1 by higher-level Corby Town in their first summer friendly, which was played on a 3G pitch at the Montsaye Academy in Rothwell.

Striking signing Craig Smith, who has arrived from fellow United Counties League Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star, hit the Rovers goal in his first appearance for the club.

But Godmanchester Rovers’ game against Barton Rovers was postponed after heavy rain during the day.