Hard-working Pinchbeck United made United Counties League Division One promotion hopefuls South Normanton battle hard for victory on Saturday.
Despite having the bulk of the chances and seeing goalkeeper Ben Martin pull off a string of superb saves, the Knights were beaten by the only goal of the game.
Josh Balding, Tyreece Keating, Luke Cullen and Jake Henderson all went close for the hosts in a goalless first half and they kept pushing to end a run of eight games without a win.
However, Lewis Macaskill struck for South Normanton after 59 minutes to grab all three points, although Ollie Callaby did come close for the hosts.
Manager Lewis Thorogood is confident his team will start to gel to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle and said: “Our work ethic was excellent and we managed to take a play-off pushing side all the way.
“Ultimately they took their chance and we didn’t but if we continue to work as a team at that level the results will come. Consistency is key to achieving that.”
The hard work was there for all to see again at Clifton All Whites on Tuesday but again an inability to convert their numerous chances brought defeat for Pinchbeck.
The Knights fell 2-0 at the Norman Archer Memorial Ground with Flynn Slater, JJ Ward and Cullen all going close, while the hosts found the net once in each half.
Knights (v South Normanton): Martin, Keating (Foster), Haywood, Melson, Simpson, Brooks, Henderson (Stevens, Drought), Panton (Callaby), Slater, Balding, Cullen (Ward).
Attendance: 65.
Knights (v Clifton All Whites): Martin, Drought (Keating), Balding, Melson, Bennett, Brooks, Haywood, Henderson, Slater (Crane), Cullen, Ward.
Attendance: 69.
