St Neots Town Saints suffered a heavy defeat in their early start to the United Counties League Division One season yesterday morning.

Lydia Bedford’s side were beaten 4-1 at Thrapston Town in a fixture which formed part of the ‘Rutland Groundhop’ – an event which included a host of matches from Friday to Sunday in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire areas.

Saints conceded three times in the opening period and a fourth goal for the hosts early in the second half ended any hopes of a comeback.

They did threaten on several occasions though as Kelvin Osei-Addo saw one fierce shot well saved before thundering another effort against the woodwork.

Saints were eventually rewarded with a consolation in the closing stages when substitute Terry Agyemang converted a Sean Barker cross.

St Neots Town Saints: Evan Jackells, Sean Barker, Dan Loasby, Lewis Davis, Cameron Harris, Marshall Harris (Charlie Lewis), Sam Tamakloe, Goran Smilkov, Sol Orieji (Chris Lewis), Kelvin Osei-Addo, Claudio Ofosu (Terry Agyemang).