High-flying Godmanchester Rovers showed their title credentials with a solid victory over Ipswich Wanderers at Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday.

The Cambridgeshire side, second in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, were too sharp up front for a gallant Wanderers who will feel a tad aggrieved by the scoreline, but not the fact that Goddy won this match.

It was a tale of penalties given – and not given – with Goddy benefitting, quite rightly, from referee Darren Stobart’s decision to award them two in the first-half, both converted by Jamie Blackell.

Yet, Wanderers were left ruing a number of penalty appeals waved away – in fairness to Mr Stobart, far more dubious – although one or two of them you’ve seen given.

A brilliant double from man-of-the-match and former St Ives striker, Tom Meechan, for the visitors, sealed the fate of Wanderers, who grabbed a late consolation through Matt Mackenzie.

Despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives for Wanderers to take from this game. A young side, they will benefit from the signing of the experienced Tes Bramble, coupled with David Head and Shane Wardley who are already on board.

Billy Holland in the centre of the park was never afraid to get hold of the ball, while Craig Jennings worked tirelessly up front.

Promoted from the First Division last season, Wanderers are doing just fine right now.

A couple of recent blips may dent the confidence, but there is enough ability in Glenn Read’s squad to worry little, other than how high up the Thurlow Nunn Premier table they can finish.

Godmanchester on the other hand have eyes on a bigger prize – the championship itself – and a move into Step 4.

On this evidence they have a great chance of title success, still having to play league leaders Norwich United twice.

On Saturday they got off to the perfect start when Meechan was clattered in the box and Blackell netted with just five minutes on the clock.

It could have knocked many teams for six, especially with the way Goddy were attacking on the break.

But Wanderers settled down and should have been level when a corner led to a scramble and Bramble’s header was cleared off the line by Chris Hyem.

It was a frenetic start and Goddy custodian Nial Conroy tipped a Bramble flick round the post.

Two Wanderers appeals for handball fell on deaf ears much to the frustration of Read and his management team, before the visitors doubled their lead on 33 minutes.

Ben Yeomans crossed well and Meechan was on it in a flash at the near post, taking it with one foot, turning and firing past Tyler Hursey in the home goal, with the other.

Wanderers’ Luke Read was the first player booked, before a killer third goal just before the break arrived for the visitors – again from the spot.

As with the first penalty, there was little doubting the referee was right. Again Meechan was involved. He was brought down by Hursey as he and the home keeper chased a through ball. Blackell did the rest.

It was a niggly second half, lit up by Meechan’s second of the game on 81 minutes. Crashing through tackles, he superbly dinked the ball over Hursey to confirm the deal.

Mackenzie slid home a late consolation for the home side. It was no more than Wanderers deserved as they never gave up.

Read’s team will have better days – Goddy, though, march on.

Wanderers: Hursey, De’ath (Laws 65) Wardley, Head, Tredray, Francis, Read, Holland, Jennings, Bramble (Beech 79), Myhill (McKenzie 60). Unused subs: Buckle, Smith.

Rovers: Conroy, Parr, Alsop (Bannister 79), C Hyem, Bowen, Moran, Meechan, M Hyem, Yeomans (Spark 75), Blackell, Hall, (Diaper 60. Unused subs: Haniver.

Referee: D Stobart. Att: 71