Wisbech St Mary manager Arran Duke says he had no problem with spoiling Little Oakley’s party on Saturday afternoon.

The newly-promoted Essex side were looking to grab their first points at Step Six level but Duke’s men put a dampener on the occasion with a classy 3-1 success.

There were no goals for the in-form Jack Friend, who had hit five goals in St Mary’s opening two games, but second-half strikes from skipper Nick Davey, Danny Setchell’s first since his return from Corby Town and a screamer from Jordan Goult secured their second consecutive Thurlow Nunn First Division win.

“It was a great victory,” Duke said.

“It was a big occasion for Little Oakley as it was their first game at this level and we knew they’d be fired up and they certainly were. We had the majority of possession in the first half and played some good stuff but couldn’t find a breakthrough; their keeper had a great first half.

“We asked for much of the same in the second and Nick’s goal settled us.

“A second followed but they pulled a goal back which gave us a nervy 10 minute spell.”

Goult’s thunderous free-kick put at end to that spell and Duke was quick to praise the defender’s surprise effort.

“We were awarded the free-kick about 30 yards out and Jordan stood over it and we were somewhat bemused on the bench as to what he was doing,” Duke said.

“But he unleashed an absolute rocket into the back of the net so we could only stand and applaud him.

“It finished a strong performance from us and one that we hope has given the lads confidence to push on.”

The Saints now sit in second thanks to their impressive start and will hope to continue that run against AFC Sudbury Reserves on Saturday afternoon.

The Suffolk outfit drew in their first outing of the season last weekend, a 0-0 stalemate with Debenham LC.