Cambridge South were afforded the luxury of having time to prepare before the game. A much-changed side from the team that was promoted with us saw St Ives include a couple of talented, younger players. South initially lacked fluidity and rhythm, surrendering possession too early. From the sidelines, captain Tim Waller wisely brought off Lewis, replacing him with the more defensively minded Jackson.

South contained and advanced play after this re-shuffle, creating half chances but no goals. Tim Poole, having his now trademark impressive and assertive game, repelled anything St Ives had to offer. As both teams became more frustrated and talkative, the umpires marshalled the game with intelligence and restraint, deciding on green cards rather than yellow.

An inspired and perceptive team talk from coach Mick Beasley encouraged South to play with more belief and purpose. The goals duly came. A promising move, in danger of breaking down outside the St Ives D, was revived by Waller, slipping the ball to Lewis, who forced a short corner. A crisp push-out from Lockhart and clean shot from Creed increased his tally to three league goals and galvanised South in the process. Passing became more defined and the versatile Devereux, now playing centre-mid, defended and distributed superbly. The in-form Nick Wong added to the score, finishing off a breakaway goal with some ease after some quick, simple passing. St Ives rallied resurgently, reducing the deficit to one. South refused to relinquish the lead that their second half-play deserved.