Boss David Batch believes St Neots Town need to win their remaining three Southern Premier Division matches to secure a play-off spot.

Saints slipped out of the top five after an Easter weekend in which their two outings produced 12 goals, two points and one controversial red card.

They threw away a three-goal cushion when being held to a 3-3 draw at Slough Town on Saturday. Drew Roberts, Lee Clarke and Lewis Hilliard had them in command after 25 minutes in Berkshire, but they couldn’t hold onto their advantage.

Saints then battled back from one man and two goals down to record the same 3-3 scoreline against Dunstable Town at the Cozy Stadium on Monday.

Mat Mitchel-King gave them an early advantage but the controversial dismissal of Brett Longden – one which Saints may choose to appeal – proved to be a turning point.

Dunstable levelled from the resulting free-kick and claimed two further goals before the break to leave Saints with a mountain to climb.

But climb it they did. Lewis Hilliard halved their arrears with a fine free-kick strike and Lee Clarke hit what could prove to be a valuable leveller before Roberts saw a last-gasp effort blocked on the line as they were left a point outside the play-off berths.

Batch said: “The way the players reacted to being a man and a couple of goals down on Monday was really pleasing.

“They fully deserved to win the game and it is a shame that didn’t happen for them and the supporters.

“Realistically we probably need to win every game from here.

“Some people may be disappointed that we dropped out of the play-off places, but I would gladly have accepted being in this position at this stage of the season when I arrived at Christmas.

“The only time it matters to be in the top five is after the final day of the season and we have to do all we can to ensure we are there then.”

Defender Tom Ward will return from a two-game suspension when Saints travel to Dorchester Town this Saturday.