UCL Premier DivisionHolbeach United 2 St Ives Town 0 A CLASSIC game of two halves left Saints joint-boss Jez Hall bemoaning his side s second half display in the season opener. He said: I m disappointed that we did not stick to the game plan and decided

UCL Premier Division

Holbeach United 2 St Ives Town 0

A CLASSIC game of two halves left Saints joint-boss Jez Hall bemoaning his side's second half display in the season opener.

He said: "I'm disappointed that we did not stick to the game plan and decided to go long ball in the second half and that gave Holbeach an opportunity to get on top."

A somewhat depleted Town dominated the first half in Lincolnshire with some excellent build up play and passing moves.

Saints were unlucky not to take the lead as long-range shots from Lawrence Church and Adam King went close enough to cause panic in the home defence.

Saints' debutant loan goalkeeper Luke Howard was in good form and needed to be alert to make a fine close-range save on the half hour.

Immediately after the break Holbeach took the lead when substitute Ross Nichols found time and space from 30 yards to lash home a well placed shot.

Holbeach continued to pile on the pressure and tested the Saints defence, which saw Steve Poore in fine form. Howard made a fine save with 15 minutes to go to keep the visitors alive but after a mix up between the goalkeeper and his centre half home forward Liam Nimmo slotted into an empty goal to make it 2-0.

*St Ives were expecting to welcome back Dan Pilsworth and Dean McCulloch for the visit of Potton last night (Tuesday).

*On Saturday, St Ives will be the subject of filming alongside opponents Lowestoft Town in a partnership between ITV Local, ITV.com and The Football Association. Their FA Cup tie will be filmed and available to a large audience thanks to the deal.

St Ives will be running buses to the game at Lowestoft - for details see www.stivestownfc.co.uk