Stunning come-back for Saints in pre-season friendly against Bourne Town, writes John Walker.

Bourne Town 2 St Neots Town 5

Trailing 0 – 2 at half time after conceding two late first half goals, St Neots bounced back to produce their best 45-minute performance of the pre-season programme and record a confident victory over recently promoted hosts, Bourne Town.

With his squad now beginning to take shape for the new season, manager Cameron Mawer was delighted with his side's second-half performance against an ambitious home-side keen to carry their promotion winning form into the new season.

The visitors began well enough and dominated the attacking play in the opening 25 minutes.

However, they were unable to convert their superior possession into goals against a stubborn home defence. Jordan Brown had the first real chance after a defensive error, but he shot high over the bar and then the home keeper produced a full length save to deny Connor Furlong.

Then in their first real attack after 28 minutes the home scored against the run of play when James Goff could only parry a shot following a corner and Bradley Marshall put Bourne in front.

Then two minutes before the break, a mistimed tackle by Rob Parker conceded a penalty which was tucked away by Will Bird to give the hosts a 2-0 half-time advantage.

What was said in the dressing room at half time is not recorded, but it certainly had the desired effect!

Substitute Danny Baulk inspired his side and within six minutes of the restart and the sides were level at 2-2 thanks to goals from Rhys Thorpe and Nathan George.

Furlong then saw an effort rebound from the crossbar as St Neots dominated, and after 62 minutes they were ahead when Michael Amaeshike finished off a dazzling run by Kieran Barnes.

With further substitutions, St Neots continued to dictate play and nine minutes from time, Danny Baulk was rewarded with the fourth goal and two minutes from time, substitute Tyler Sansome completed the nap hand victory.

St Neots: Goff, Francisco, Culkin, Willis, George, Parker, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Brown

Subs: Baulk, Joseph, Sansome