It’s honours even in a typical end of season affair

There was little at stake on the day for the two sides separated by just a single point in the lower reaches of mid-table – with only pride to play for in what was their penultimate league match of the season.

St Neots opted for a 4-4-1-1 starting formation, with Jay Davies tucked in behind striker Matt Nolan, while hosts Arlesey lined up in similar fashion with the vastly experienced Barry Hayles sitting in the hole.

The first 20 minutes of the game was almost a non-event, with Arlesey winning four corners that produced no result and St Neots seeing their first shot on goal by skipper Gavin Hoyte sail over the bar.

The game needed a boost and it came after 20 minutes in the shape of a sweetly placed shot from 30 yards by St Neot’s Ben Farrell that screamed into the top corner of the net leaving home keeper Aidan Grant helpless.

However the lead last just 13 minutes before the visitors were back on level terms. Liam McGovern lifted the ball into the penalty area where Hayles, with his back to goal, deftly made space for himself before firing a low shot inside the near post to level the scores.

Those proved to be the only real moves of quality in a first 45 minutes that was largely fought out in midfield.

Grant was forced to save well from Lewis Hilliard and Nolan, while Cambridge United loanee Bobby-Jo Taylor shot over the bar for Arlesey when well placed.

The second half produced much more flowing football, however, with St Neots in the ascendancy.

Jay Davies saw a close range shot deflected wide by Sam Willet and, after 63 minutes, Grant produced the save of the match – throwing himself full length to push away a Hilliard shot with an outstretched hand.

Arlesey sent on two substitutes and adopted a more attacking approach but made little headway with Farrell again dominating the midfield area for St Neots.

An off balance Nolan shot over the bar and then, with 15 minutes left, St Neots hit a purple patch with three excellent scoring chances in as many minutes.

Arthur Lee – back after suspension – headed down a Hilliard corner to Davies who saw his effort cleared off the line by McGovern, before Hilliard brought an important parry from Grant and then substitute Shane Tolley was played clear but Grant spread himself to block the shot with his body.

Hoyte volley over the bar from a set piece and, four minutes from time ,Arlesey could have stolen all three points when a sublime flick by Hayles played Taylor free, but Farrell got back with a perfectly timed tackle to deflect the ball for a corner.