AFTER a polished pre-season campaign that had given their fans high hopes, St Neots Town did not fluff their lines on the first day of the season.

UCL Premier Division

St Neots Town 6

Northampton Spencer 0

AFTER a polished pre-season campaign that had given their fans high hopes, St Neots Town did not fluff their lines on the first day of the season.

A six-goal display blew a hard-working Northampton Spencer side out of the water, with the match over as a contest before half-time.

The Saints answered manager Dennis Greene’s call for goals from midfield, with strikes from Rob Hughes, Dan Jacob and a pair from Lewis Hilliard.

Dan Chillingworth, a fitness doubt before kick-off, grabbed a first UCL goal and Lee Bassett rounded off the show with just minutes left.

Spencer played some neat football at times, but the superior pace and power of the Saints ultimately told.

They went ahead after just seven minutes, when Junior Kamuda was fouled in the box, and Rob Hughes – scorer of three penalties in pre-season – delivered once again from the spot.

The Saints were given a scare when Phil Cassidy hit the bar, with Luke McShane beaten, but went 2-0 up on 16 minutes.

Chillingworth fed Hilliard, and he took a touch before calmly lobbing Spencer goalkeeper Pete Smith.

Chillingworth was causing regular problems for the visiting defence, and he sent a scissor kick wide soon after. Jacob went close before Hilliard’s second goal gave the Saints a three-goal lead.

Once again he latched on to a Chillingworth pass and slotted the ball right-footed past Smith. The former Cambridge United man got the goal his assists deserved on 41 minutes, getting on the end of a long crossfield ball from Will Fordham to head home powerfully.

After the break, Spencer tested the Saints once more, reminding them of the need for concentration. Substitutions took the fluency from the home side, but a quick break brought Neots’ fifth.

From an indirect Spencer free-kick in the Neots box, Jacob collected the ball in his own half and did all the hard work himself before finishing past Smith.

With five minutes remaining, left-back Des Byrne swung over an inviting ball met by Bassett at the far post for the final Neots goal. There was still time for Hilliard to see two headers saved as he searched for his hat-trick, but Neots had to settle for six.

UCL ROUND-UP:

MUCH-fancied King’s Lynn were given a rude introduction to the UCL Premier Division in a 3-0 defeat at Long Buckby, who are also expected to be in the promotion running.

The other two newcomers to the division also found life tough.

Irchester United, promoted as Division One champions last season, lost 1-0 at Boston Town, while runners-up Peterborough Northern Star took a 1-1 draw at home to Cogenhoe.

St Ives Town got off and running with a 1-0 victory in a tough away game at Holbeach, with the goal coming from new signing David Cobb.

Elsewhere, Newport Pagnell won 3-0 at Blackstones, Sleaford Town beat Daventry United 2-1, Yaxley and Desborough drew 2-2, and there were goalless draws between Rothwell Corinthians and Deeping Rangers, and S&L Corby and Wellingborough.