For the second match running Arlesey entertained opposition at the top end of the table but on this occasion they came up just short. The creditable 0-0 draw against Chasetown was always going to be difficult to build upon against a good Nuneaton outfit.

For the second match running Arlesey entertained opposition at the top end of the table but on this occasion they came up just short.

The creditable 0-0 draw against Chasetown was always going to be difficult to build upon against a good Nuneaton outfit.

The home side made one change in their line-up from midweek as Matthew Clark came in for Cameron Facey while the visitors paraded the vastly experienced Darren Acton in goal and the recently recruited Gez Murphy.

The match came to life in the 10th minute when Nuneaton could only clear a corner to the edge of the box to the waiting Ricky Case, who jinked inside his marker before sending a right-footed shot beat Acton all ends up.

The lead didn't last long however and within a minute Nuneaton were level. A corner by Spacey was only partially cleared and, although Pitham saw his effort kicked away acrobatically by Matt Waldron, the linesman judged that the ball had crossed the line.

The remainder of a scrappy first half was fought out in midfield with a stooping header from Marsden and a Clark shot the only efforts of any note.

The second half saw Nuneaton redouble their efforts and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Williams struck a corner to the far post for Dean to bundle over the line when James Russell failed to clear.

Almost immediately Arlesey had an opportunity to level from a free-kick when Francis struck a powerful shot that beat Acton but flashed over the bar.

Nuneaton held the upper hand thereafter and increased their lead in the 72nd minute when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area and Spacey struck a superb shot to make it 3-1.

They should have made it four when substitute Blenkinsopp made space down the right to cross for Dodd to shoot wide.

Arlesey sent on Richard Pringle as they looked for a way back into the contest and Jamie Osborne had a fierce cross-shot that Acton pushed away for Cameron Facey to blast the rebound wide.

Then with time running out Acton was again in action to palm away Shane Brown#s header.

The visitors were worthy winners but Arlesey were always in contention and will be successful if they can produce this type of performance against the division's lesser lights.

Blues: Russell, Case, Waldron, Dillnut, Moran, Brown, Allen, Kimani-Clark, Francis, Osborne, Clark. Subs Beaumonts, Pringle, Facey, Peat.

Attendance: 252