Things might have changed off the field at St Neots Town in recent days, but it was the same old story on the pitch yesterday.

The Hunts Post: Isaac Galliford on the ball for St Neots against Weymouth. Picture: CLAIRE HOWESIsaac Galliford on the ball for St Neots against Weymouth. Picture: CLAIRE HOWES (Image: Archant)

David Batch’s side were again left to reflect on controversial refereeing decisions as they again failed to win in front of their own fans.

A 1-1 deadlock against Weymouth certainly won’t feature among the worst of their Premier Plus Stadium results (they’ve now won four, drawn four and lost four of their 12 home league games), but it also wasn’t enough for them to leave the bottom half of the Southern League Premier Division table behind.

It was certainly an incident-packed contest though with two players (one from each side) being sent off, Saints seeing strong penalty appeal ignored and visitors Weymouth twice hitting the bar.

Saints went ahead midway through the opening half when Mat Mitchel-King pounced after debutant Robbie Sweeney – a teenage attacker drafted in from the Stevenage Academy – saw his shot blocked following an Isaac Galliford corner.

They looked to be denied a clear penalty moments later when Galliford’s cross was handled by a defender and he was again the supply line when Ryan Frater headed wide just before the break.

Only the woodwork preserved Saints’ advantage in the second period as Weymouth substitute Stewart Yetton headed against the bar from close range before Mark Moseley thumped a 30-yard drive against the angle of post and bar.

But the goal-frame could not save Saints a third time as Chris Shephard turned in a low cross with 13 minutes remaining.

And, after managing a goal apiece, the two teams were soon down to 10-men apiece. Saints man Ben Jones received his second caution following a flare-up with opponent Jordan Copp, who was shown a straight red card.

Saints have now slipped below local rivals Biggleswade Town in the standings ahead of their Boxing Day visit to Bedfordshire.

Saints have confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Andy Wilton.

He has penned an 18-month contract until the end of the 2016-17 season after club chiefs thrashed out a deal with his former club, Dereham.

Wilton had previously been on loan.