St Neots Town fell to their heaviest home defeat in a game billed as a ‘must win’ if they are to survive at step four. 

A 4-0 reverse by Bedworth United at the Premier Plus Stadium on March 25 left them five points above the automatic Northern Premier League Division One Midlands relegation places. 

Liam Murphy forced home a loose ball to give Bedworth the lead in first half stoppage time. 

It was a half that saw St Neots holding off visiting attacks in their first game since manager Pete Gill left the club last week. 

Home goalkeeper Jonah Gill, who stood in for the injured Tom Finch, saved bravely at the feet of Murphy but could not deny Liam Lockett’s 68th-minute strike after beating two defenders. 

St Neots’ hopes of some reward then disappeared four minutes later when Desean Martin struck, before Murphy scored his second goal 13 minutes from time. 

St Neots are due to visit Dereham Town on March 28, 7.45pm before a trip to league leaders Stamford on April 1, 3pm.