St Neots boss David Batch believes new recruit Mat Mitchel-King can be a perfect role model to the Saints squad.

Mitchel-King, who has skippered Crewe Alexandra and AFC Wimbledon at League Two level and spent the last 18 months in the Conference National with Dartford, was snapped up late last week.

The 31-year-old midfielder made his debut as St Neots scrambled to a 2-1 success over Southern League Premier Division bottom side Banbury United last Saturday.

Batch said: “Mat is a great lad and the sort of person who always wants to better himself. His decision to leave the professional game was his own and that was also the case with leaving Dartford last week.

“He loves a challenge and is determined to make an impact. His honesty, his hard-working attitude and his experience at levels considerably higher make him a great role model.”

Another new recruit, Sam Harty, a Sheffield-based midfielder well known to Batch from former club Wroxham, made his debut as a half-time substitute and delivered the cross from which Drew Roberts hit a late winner.

Batch has now made four signings during his first month at the helm after also bringing in Adam Tann and Jack Wilkinson.

Meanwhile David Hutton departed to local rivals Biggleswade late last week after falling down the pecking order.

Batch added: “It was never my intention to make wholesale changes, but it is necessary to create a more balanced squad.

“Another part of my remit is ensuring the budget remains under control. I’m fully aware of the fact I can’t just bring players in without generating some funds and that was the reason behind David’s departure.”

St Neots, who have closed to within three points of the play-off places, host Arlesey Town on Saturday.