Ben Toseland scored a superb free-kick to cement victory for St Ives Town over play-off chasing opponents in the Southern League Premier Division Central. 

Toseland, who returned to the Ives on loan from new club Kettering Town, netted 12 minutes from time to earn his side a 2-0 triumph over Mickleover Sports at Quattro-Tech Westwood Road on January 7. 

His goal followed a controversial moment when Johnny Herd launched a throw-in into the penalty box, which sailed over a melee of players to Jonny Edwards, whose shot was blocked on the line. 

The Hunts Post: St Ives Town dispatch a penalty against Mickleover.St Ives Town dispatch a penalty against Mickleover. (Image: Louise Thompson)

The Hunts Post: Action from St Ives Town vs Mickleover.Action from St Ives Town vs Mickleover. (Image: Louise Thompson)

 

James Butler, who handled on the line, was sent off and dispatched the resulting penalty past goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge on 66 minutes. 

Toseland’s exquisite free kick then made sure of the points from 25 yards for St Ives, whose 18-year-old ‘keeper James Dadge brought stability to the defence. 

The Hunts Post: Ben Toseland dives to the floor after scoring versus Mickleover.Ben Toseland dives to the floor after scoring versus Mickleover. (Image: Louise Thompson)

The win halts a run of three straight league defeats for Ives, who visit Hednesford Town on January 14, 3pm. 

St Ives Town: Dadge, Casey, Herd, Richens (C), J. Williams, Toseland, Higgs, Hottor (sub Cowling 59), Baker, Hickinson (sub Andoh 75), Shariff (sub Edwards 59).

Cautions: St Ives - Hottor, Richens, Casey, Herd.

St Ives supporters' man of the match: Ben Toseland.

Attendance: 205.