Hitchin Town remain on the fringes of the play-off places in Southern League Premier Division Central after being held at home by Bedford Town.

The 0-0 draw leaves them sixth and now four points behind Coalville Town who won away to Ilkeston.

Diogo Freitas-Gouveia came closest as the Canaries had the better of the first half, smacking a free-kick off the upright, but the visitors were much more of a threat after the break.

Arlesey Town gave their hopes of avoiding the drop from the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division a boost with a 1-1 draw at home to Cockfosters.

It could have been even better as Jamie Obama's debut goal had given them a ninth-minute lead but Fosters equalised in the second period for a share of the spoils.

Speaking to the club's You Tube channel, manager Nick Baker recognised the missed opportunity.

He said: "I wasn't happy at half-time and I spoke to the boys about what we could do better but unfortunately we just didn't turn up in the second half.

"It was two points dropped from where we were in the first half but also one point gained because we were poor in the second.

"The result was probably fair. It wasn't our best performance but we can bank the point and move on to next week against Dunstable."

The result leaves them third from bottom but they are now one point ahead of Colney Heath while Hoddesdon Town are just one point further ahead.

Stotfold remain top as their planned home game with second-placed Leighton Town was postponed due to the Robins' involvement in the FA Vase.

The Eagles had a cup game of their own and they moved into the quarter-final of the Challenge Trophy with a comprehensive 5-1 success away to Pitstone & Ivinghoe.

Archie Sayer led the way with four while Aaron Hector got the first.

Letchworth Eagles meanwhile lost 2-0 at Burton Park Wanderers in SSML Division One.