It was a case of the “late, late show” as substitute Jack Gregson inspired Baldock to an opening day victory over a new-look Codicote at the County Ground.

The talismanic Baldock forward was a surprise inclusion in Steve King’s squad after an injury in pre-season threatened to rule him out for some time.  But after coming through training on Thursday evening – he was deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.

Despite a bright start and having a goal disallowed in the opening minutes, the home side fell behind when Stefan Saywell followed up a parry from a Marcus Cumberbatch shot to give “The Cod” the lead.

It got worse for Baldock a few minutes later when they surrendered possession cheaply in the middle of the park.  The ball was worked out wide to Mark Phillips, a familiar face to Baldock fans of old, and he delivered an inviting low cross which Cumberbatch met well to thump past John Matthews, who had no chance.

The early promise had gone from the home side and they were in need of a lift at the break and they got that with the emergence of Gregson just after the interval.

Within a few minutes, a fine build up down the right was superbly rounded off when Craig Skelton fed Gregson in the box and he couldn’t miss from eight yards and the home side were back in business.

Much of the second half saw chances come and go at both ends, but Cumberbatch was desparately unlucky not to increase the visitors lead when his fine volley crashed against the post with Matthews beaten all ends up.

The home side continued to probe and got their reward with nine minutes remaining.  The ball was worked to the far post where substitute Rhys Davies arrived with a diving header, but after the keeper saved Skelton eventually bundled the ball home to level the match at 2-2.

With the momentum firmly with the home side in the closing moments, it seemed inevitable that the winner would come and it did thanks to the man of the moment Gregson.  The ball was worked in behind the visiting defence and Gregson took it away from the defender before crashing the ball past the keeper into the opposite corner to win it and complete an incredible turnaround.

Town: Matthews, Beckwith(Beadsworth), Stilwell, Lowden, Laurence(Davies), N.Smith, Rogers, Brawley, Skelton, Holland, Turner(Gregson)  Subs Not Used: J.Smith