United Counties League Premier Division Ford Sports Daventry 2 St Ives Town 1 SUSPENSIONS, the referee and traffic delays took their toll on Saints as they went down to two penalties at rock bottom Ford Sports Daventry. Saints arrived just 20 minutes befo

United Counties League Premier Division

Ford Sports Daventry 2 St Ives Town 1

SUSPENSIONS, the referee and traffic delays took their toll on Saints as they went down to two penalties at rock bottom Ford Sports Daventry.

Saints arrived just 20 minutes before kick-off thanks to some heavy traffic on the roads, and it showed in a lethargic first half performance.

Despite their slow start Saints took the lead on the half hour when Chris Ewles netted after good work from Stefan Lewis and Ian Fovargue.

Ford Sports equalised just before half time when Tim Clack knocked in a penalty rebound after a good save from Saints keeper Rob Mackney.

Saints wasted some good chances in an improved second half display but with just 10 minutes remaining a debatable penalty was awarded against captain Will Fordham. Paul Eden stepped up to net the winner.

Saints joint manager Jez Hall said: "It was a disappointing result and we paid for not taking our chances in the second half.

"Graeme Thackray and Ian Fovargue looked good and we're going to miss Ian when he's suspended for the next few games. Their second penalty was never a foul and it was that which cost us the game coming so close to the end."

Meanwhile St Ives reserves drew 1-1 with Eynesbury Rovers reserves. Eynesbury took the lead in the first half, but substitute Colin Charmers equalised after the break with a downward header at the back post. Mark Browne was awarded the man of the match.

Saints took on Newport Pagnell in a league fixture last night and travel to Boreham Wood on Saturday in the FA Cup first qualifying round for what is being billed as the biggest match in the club's history.