ST Neots had to make an arduous 300-mile round trip to Bashley on Tuesday but as far as manager Iain Parr was concerned it was a relaxing one because St Neots Town will be a Southern League Premier Division club again next season.
The Saints beat play-off contenders Barwell away from home on Saturday to secure their safety and now Parr will use the remamining games to take a look at a few things.
So, despite the journey, the 2-2 draw in Hampshire will be considered something to learn from, rather than something to regret.
Talking about the Barwell game, just before he boarded the coach for Bashley, Parr said: “It was a fine performance and a good win. It secured our place in the division and that gives us the chance to look at players.”
The win came after four successive defeats and Parr tinkered a little with the former St Ives Town goalkeeper Niall Conroy making his debut for the club in place of Jack Giddens who was on the bench. He played again in Bashley.
Ryan Auger, who has been playing in defence, was switched to midfield, and young midfielder Ryan Sharman played alongside the captain Gavin Hoyte at centre back.
Up front, Ed Adjei partnered Jack Werndly, who seems to be finding his feet after struggling to hold down a first-team place all season.
Auguer scored twice in the first half to give the Saints a 2-0 lead with Werndly making it 3-0 early in the second half.
But the wheels almost came off at points during the second period and Richard Lavery and Jack Edwards scored Barwell’s goals for a nervy ending.
Reece Loudon and Tom Wood scored their first goals for the club in Hampshire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here