Stretching back almost nine months, South's winless streak finally ended after nine matches. South started with passion and determination and were the superior side throughout the match. It was 2-0 but could have been more and after weathering sustained pressure from St Ives in the second half, South hit back with two further goals before the final whistle.

After the two friendlies leading up to this first league game of the season, South knew that they would have to raise their game if they were to compete for promotion this season. Last week's 5-1 thrashing by Harlow was particularly demoralising as there was little positive to take from the game at all. Stern words were said from captain Chris Baker, though, and the players responded in just the right way in this game.

Accused of slow starts in previous games, this time South were putting pressure on the St Ives defence from the very beginning. A slow back line had great difficulty coping with the speed, directness and sharp passing of the South front line – this week comprising Murray, Garrett and Rowland. The first goal came from Chris Graveling as he collected a side line pass from Rupert Webb on the edge of the opponents' D. With all the St Ives defence marking the forwards, Graveling had all the time in the world to pass the ball calmly into the corner of the net. Rumours of a subsequent chant from the crowd of "Graveling for striker" are completely unfounded…

South continued to put pressure on the St Ives goal and would have scored more with a bit of luck – two goal line clearances keeping the score sheet respectable after Chris Baker added to Graveling’s initial strike.

The end of the half saw St Ives grow in confidence and start to attack with more purpose. It was no surprise in the second half when they came out with much more running and determination. This renewed pressure eventually produced a goal for the home side but it proved to be merely a consolation as South refused to buckle or wilt.

Large gaps in the St Ives defence opened up as the home side pressed for an equaliser and South continued to create the better opportunities. Finally, one of these created a second goal for Chris Baker after good work down the right between Kevin Rowland and Tim Waller.