Another small step towards securing Southern League Premier Division safety for St Neots Town in Slough stalemate

St Neots Town edged another point closer to Southern League Premier Division safety yesterday – but only after a moment of controversy.

The Saints battled out a goalless draw against mid-table side Slough at the Premier Plus Stadium even though the visitors did have the ball in the net.

That major talking point arrived just past the mid-point of the opening half when Lee Barney struck after a shot had crashed back off the crossbar.

But, following discussions with his assistant, referee Josh Few disallowed the goal due to a marginal offside.

Barney had earlier squandered an excellent chance to put Slough ahead after a clearance from St Neots goalkeeper Alex Archer had been charged down, but Saints gradually got on top.

Their best spell arrived in the second half when strike Drew Roberts was twice denied in quick succession. Lee Clarke was also kept out by visiting goalkeeper Mark Scott and Peter Clark flashed a good effort just wide.

Chances continued to be created right up until the final whistle. Saints substitute Remy Gordon was thwarted when Scott dived at his feet in the closing minutes while Warren Harris twice failed to capitalise on late opportunities at the other end.

St Neots now sit seven points above the relegation zone after maintaing their record of picking up points in all matches against bottom-half opposition since the resignation of previous boss David Batch in January.

They face a Frome side, one place clear of the bottom four, twice in the next fortnight.