St Ives Town Football Club benefitted from two freak first-half goals to beat Kettering Town 3-2 in the third qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Trophy and advance to the first round proper.

A third goal early in the second half meant St Ives were cruising, but the visitors set up a nervy last 20 minutes and threatened a comeback when they scored two goals of their own.

With four players in Ives' side returning from long-term injuries, it was always likely that they would struggle to sustain their early pace, but they managed to remain resolute at the back for a much-needed win. 

The Hunts Post: The win for St Ives was their first at home after five straight home losses.The win for St Ives was their first at home after five straight home losses. (Image: Louise Thompson)

Ives tore into their visitors straight from the off and created several early chances, with manager Ricky Marheineke commenting at full-time that his side could've been 6,7 or 8-0 up.

Somehow, it looked like the Poppies would hang on until the break, only for Ives to get their noses in front in unlikely fashion in the 38th minute.

The Hunts Post: St Ives celebrate after scoring the first goal of the game.St Ives celebrate after scoring the first goal of the game. (Image: Louise Thompson)

Jonny Edwards was forced out to the right touchline and swung his boot through the ball, trying to deliver a cross into the centre.

But the ball arrowed in on goal, and with goalkeeper Billy Johnson a little slow to react, the crossshot sailed over his head and went in off the upright.

Then, at the end of the first half, Johnson and his skipper Gary Stohrer combined to gift Ives a second.

The Hunts Post: St Ives were a dominant force in the first half.St Ives were a dominant force in the first half. (Image: Louise Thompson)

As Cowling closed Stohrer down, the skipper rolled the ball back towards his keeper, who was caught on his heels and could only watch as the ball rolled past him into the net.

The second half was only seven minutes old when Ives added a third as Brandon Njoku and Dan Barton combined brilliantly down the left to set up the goal of the game for Richens, who arrived at pace by the penalty spot to slam home Barton's pullback.

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Ives allowed the Poppies a lifeline four minutes later, Tyrone Lewthwaite fired past Eddie Brearey from the edge of the box.

The Hunts Post: The win for St Ives ended a run of four games without a win.The win for St Ives ended a run of four games without a win. (Image: Louise Thompson)

A second goal for the visitors followed in controversial fashion in the 70th minute, with substitute Sam Bennett firing home from what appeared to be an offside position.

The visitors enjoyed most of the possession for the remaining twenty minutes, but Ives held firm to march on into the next round, where they will entertain Northern Premier side Marine AFC at Westwood Road on October 28.