Again a depleted squad meant stand in goal keeper Joe Purse was needed between the post whilst full use of the squad was used by Tony O’Donovan saints manager.

In horrendous conditions st Ives started on the front foot and set out their intent on a high tempo passing game.

A number of chances came and went with Scott Simms hitting the woodwork while Ben Smith and Danilo Carvalho squandered good opportunities.

Debutant Gary Baillie’s experience helped the young players around him continue to play with confidence as they dominated possession without reward.

Saints finally opened the scoring after half an hour with a well worked move through midfield before a low cross was finished off well by Kian Pilkington.

Both teams continued to try to master the deteriating conditions as the second half got under way but it was proving to be a challenge for both.

Saints young midfield of Jay, Simms and O’Donovan continued to dominate play whilst fullbacks Baker and Paine were finding more time and space to attack from wide.

A number of opportunities for saints to extend their lead went begging before they paid the price and were caught out by a good Alconbury  counter attack which levelled the scoreline.

Not to be deterred the young st Ives side regained their composure and took the lead again within in minutes when Ben Smith beat the Alconbury fullback and finished with style from the edge of the box.

Further chances came and went for st Ives but although unable to take them they saw out the remainder of the game relatively untroubled with Leon Quinsee dominant in defence.

In awful weather both sides did well to try and play good football and all credit to Alconbury who gave the young saints side a good test.