Goalkeeper Paul Bastock produced a moment of brilliance in the dying moments to ensure St Neots claimed at least a point from a Southern League Premier Division game they should probably have won.

The home side were hell-bent on a grandstand finish when a cross from the left flank by Aidan Bennett was sliced towards the top corner of the net by visiting defender Ryan Frater. It looked for all the world as if a tragic own goal would gift the Gloucestershire outfit all three points until Bastock, for so long no more than a spectator, went full length to fingertip the ball over the bar.

Had he not intervened it would have been a travesty of justice since St Neots had only their own profligacy to blame for not being in front.

They could hardly have made a worse start since a misunderstanding at the back allowed Ed Williams to put Cirencester ahead.

Matt Nolan volleyed wide and Drew Roberts shot across the face of goal but the visitors looked tentative in attack until a stroke of good fortune got them back on terms. Nolan was brought down by home skipper Leigh Henry, a penalty was awarded and Lewis Hilliard calmly made no mistake.

St Neots received a wake-up call just 22 seconds into the second half when Aidan Bennett had the ball in the net for the home side but was ruled out as he strayed offside.

At the other end Roberts shot over and fired a free-kick in the same direction while Thorne missed the target as well.

Gavin Hoyte had an effort cleared off the line and in one attack St Neots saw three shots blocked by defenders before Roberts was denied by home goalkeeper Garner.

Cirencester saved their best till last, though, which is where Bastock came in.