ST IVES crushed Holbeach United as they stormed into the semi finals of the UCL knock-out Cup yesterday (Tuesday). Saints started without key players Junior McDougald, Will Fordham, Ricky Dear and Liam Kennett and kicking into the strong wind that saw ot

ST IVES crushed Holbeach United as they stormed into the semi finals of the UCL knock-out Cup yesterday (Tuesday).

Saints started without key players Junior McDougald, Will Fordham, Ricky Dear and Liam Kennett and kicking into the strong wind that saw other games called off.

Nevertheless, after just 10 minutes the hosts took the lead when Carl Foreman's free kick from the right channel flew into the top corner with visiting goalkeeper James Dougerty left helpless.

Eleven minutes after that Jamie Blackwell continued his Saturday scoring run when he beat the offside trap and slot home. Ives went in 2-0 ahead at half time and things got worse for Holbeach as Matthew Warfield was dismissed for his second yellow 10 minutes after the interval.

The game was effectively over when a Scott Fielding cross was turned into the goal by visiting full back Stacy Cartwright. After 78 minutes Ives went further ahead after a poor Holbeach clearance rebounded off substitute Nana Appieh Adjei to put the hosts 4-0 ahead.

St Ives completed the rout with almost the last kick of the game, as Foreman squared the ball for Fielding to finish into the bottom corner and complete the visitors' misery.

St Ives co-manager Jez Hall said: "We spoke to the players before the game and stressed the importance of getting the ball down and playing football, which is what we are best at. I'm very pleased with the result and with the whole squad as it shows the depth we have to offer."

St Ives Town now face UCL Premier League leaders Stotfold in their semi final of the Knockout Cup. Ives next travel to third-placed Boston Town in the league on Saturday as they look to climb up the table. Ives currently sit seventh in the table but have seven games in hand over first placed Stotfold who are 18 points above them, so if Ives win all of their games in hand they could move three points clear at the top of the league.

Huntingdon Town v Eynesbury Rovers in the UCL Division One was called off due to the strong winds.