Having trailed at half-time by the only goal of the first half, AFC opened a 3-1 lead, but there was a nailbiting finish as the Bedfordshire side cut the deficit to one in the final minute, and only a fine stoppage-time save by AFC's Liam Jones denied the home side a share of the spoils.

Like AFC, Arlesey were shunted across the pyramid to British Gas Southern League division one north having played in the Ryman League last term.

AFC were forced into one change with defender Curtis Haynes-Brown unavailable, although it was doubtful whether he would have played after an injury in the previous game.

Steve Joyce took his place and did well.

Despite dominating most of the first half without creating many clear-cut openings, AFC went in at the break trailing to a goal scored after 34 minutes, a goal out of nothing and against the run of play.

There did not look to be any danger as Arlesey attacked down their right flank and a hopeful cross was sent in. It was not cleared and found George Brinkman, who finished well from 22 yards with a low shot into the corner of the net.

AFC were back on terms within three minutes of the second half when a free kick was awarded after a handball by Arlesey's Paul Bloss 22 yards out. Skipper Gareth Heath took the responsibity of the free kick and scored with a super strike into the top corner.

There was a let-off for AFC five minutes later when Jones rushed off his line but failed to gain possession, leaving James Osbourne a chance, but his effort was deflected into the side netting.

The second half was becoming much more entertaining with plenty of goalmouth action at both ends for the 235 fans, among them a good representation from Suffolk.

There was another let-off for AFC after 64 minutes when a shot from Mathew Clark came back off a post and Brinkman netted the rebound. But an assistant's flag had already been raised for offside and it was ruled out.

Four minutes later AFC strung together their best move up to that point when James Rowe and Heath combined to set up Neil Cogger, but the home keeper saved from close range.

AFC were now enjoying a good spell and Heath was next to go close with an effort that flew across the face of the goal.

With 15 minutes remaining AFC went ahead for the first time when Heath did well to set up James Rowe, who finished with a clinical angled shot, taking his season's total to five in four games.

Cogger then cut inside but fired just over, and then with seven minutes left Rowe was fouled just outside the area right of centre. This time Luke Hammond took the kick and scored with a fierce drive to double AFC's lead.

Two more chances came AFC's way to put the result beyound doubt, the best falling to Hammond after being unselfishly put in by Rowe on a swift counter-attack.