The let off seem to ignite United and they created their first real chance on 12 minutes when John Dennis cut in from the left and his effort curled over the bar. After a period of generally even possession, the equaliser arrived for United on 29 minutes when good inter-play down the Thame right saw Tom Ashworth holding-up the ball before feeding Lynton Goss who struck a powerful effort from an acute angle in to the far corner of the goal. It was nearly a second five minutes later as Goss found himself in space on the right before delivering a cross that a retreating defender could only push on to the post and away for a corner.

The second half started with Calvin Evans replacing the injured Andy Gledhill, with new signing Ben Sturgess moving in to midfield. Immediately from the kick off, United were on the front foot and almost took the lead on 48 minutes when Goss was put through – something of a recurring theme in the second half – that Dennison in the home goal saved with his legs. The second goal eventually arrived on 59 minutes when a ball in to Adam Morris ten yards outside of the penalty area was deftly flicked over the defenders in to the path of the free-running Ashworth who bravely pushed the ball wide of Dennison. It was nearly three two minutes later when good play down the left between Goss and Dennis saw the latter put an inviting ball in to the box that Morris headed just over the bar.

The home side started to press but were unable to create any clear cut chances and, again, it was United who nearly extended the lead on 77 minutes when a corner from Morris was headed goalwards by Ellis Hercules only for his effort to be cleared off the line. The final ten minutes saw the home side enjoy the bulk of the possession, with United content to play on the break, but Craven was not forced in to any meaningful action.

The win gives United the perfect start, and a platform for big night at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday when Rushden & Diamonds are the visitors, 7:45pm kick off.

United: Craven, Sturgess, Lynn, Hercules, Johnston, Ashworth, Connelly, Goss, Gledhill (Evan, 45), Morris (Mepham, 80), Dennis (Ricketts, 70).