ST Ives new signed Junior McDougald was on a losing side as he made his first start for the team. After last week s enthralling match against St Neots in the League Cup, St Ives disappointed on their travels to Sleaford. The home side had proved seven day

ST Ives new signed Junior McDougald was on a losing side as he made his first start for the team.

After last week's enthralling match against St Neots in the League Cup, St Ives disappointed on their travels to Sleaford.

The home side had proved seven days early that they were well organised as they took a point in the 2-2 draw at Westwood Road.

At home they proved the result was no fluke.

St Ives Town, albeit with two injuries prior to kick off, fielded a similar side to last week's encounter but included a first start for McDougald.

In an even first period it was the home side that took the lead from a corner on 27 minutes.

The corner from the right was swung out to the far post and, even though St Ives had chances to clear, the ball fell kindly for the Sleaford player to strike it in to the top of the net.

As the interval loomed St Ives had one last effort on goal. The ball was sent into the Sleaford box and bounced across the home team's cross bar before falling to the head of McDougald. However, the former Spurs man was denied by some fine goalkeeping from Andrew Scott.

St Ives left the field at half time feeling it was going to be one of those days and it was.

In the second half St Ives has a number of half chances to draw level, but the final ball or the shot on goal was not enough to get them back among the points.

Both sides made substitutions to try and influence the game, but unfortunately for the Saints, Sleaford held on and took all three points.

After the game St Ives joint manager Jez Hall said: "Sleaford stopped us from playing and they nicked the all-important goal.

"I was very annoyed with our decision making too.