ST Neots Town manager Iain Parr is hoping the Saints’ 1-0 win over Godmanchester Rovers in the Hunts Senior Cup will be a springboard for the club’s Southern League form.

St Neots are on an eight-game streak without a win and have dropped from a high of second in the Premier Division to 12th after their new year’s day 3-2 home defeat by Cambridge City.

But, ahead of their home game against Bedworth United on Saturday, Parr told The Hunts post: “Ben Mackey and Dan Jacob are back this week and Adrian Sear and Ryan Sharman should be back next week.

“Also, Arthur Lee and Kyle Assante are out of plaster and return to training next week.”

It is fair to say that Parr has had his injury problems – plus key striker Mackey’s three-game suspension over the festive period was a bitter blow.

Mackey has scored 14 goals in Southern League games this season and is now the main man up front after Stefan Moore left the club and joined promotion rivals Leamington, scoring a hat trick on his debut for the Midlanders in their 6-1 win over Bedworth on January 1.

But two points in eight games since St Neots beat Bideford 5-3 on November 10 doesn’t paint a pretty picture, Mackey or no Mackey, injuries or no injuries.

That is why the extra-time semi-final win against Goddy on Saturday was so welcome.

However, the game was 117 minutes old when defender Jon-Paul Duncliffe, an extra-time substitute, scored the winning goal against the Eastern Counties Premier Division side.

“I told the lads what to expect and Goddy gave us more, they worked hard and there was a lot of desire and quality – they are a good bunch of lads,” said Parr.

“We competed with them for two hours and had a few good chances to put the game to bed, including a missed penalty, but their goalkeeper Rob Mackney made some good saves.

“I was pleased with the manor in which we kept trying to play and didn’t resort to the long ball game.

“We had five or six first choice players unavailable and they start to return to action this week.