Ian Dunn felt that his Pinchbeck United side had “one of those days” on Saturday as unfancied Nettleham stunned them 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Lincs FA Junior Cup.
A 68th-minute strike from sub Adam Croft sent Pinchbeck crashing out of the competition at Knight Street, handing them a first defeat since August 23 and ending a run of 14 wins on the spin.
The defeat ends any hope The Knights had of completing a quadruple this season, but Dunn – who felt key decisions went against his side – is refusing to get too downbeat.
He was missing seven first team players, including 31-goal top scorer Ollie Maltby, but feels that visitors Nettleham did a “good job” on his in-form side.
The ex-Boston Town chief, however, couldn’t believe his side weren’t awarded a late penalty when Kofi Ross’ goal-bound shot was clearly handled on the line.
“We could have played on all day and we wouldn’t have scored,” bemoaned Dunn. “It was just one of those days for us, I’m afraid.
“We had a couple of good chances in the first half and didn’t take them.
“In truth, the game had extra time written all over it from quite an early stage.
“Their goal, which I think was their only shot on target all day, was pretty fortunate for them. Joe Ashton (Pinchbeck keeper) didn’t have anything to do all game.
“In my opinion, they didn’t threaten us at all. They certainly aren’t the strongest side we’ve played all season, but they came with a plan and did a good job on us.
“Saying that, we really should have had a penalty, which would have seen their man sent off. Kofi’s shot was going in – some of us had already turned around thinking it was a goal.
“A hand came out of nowhere and stopped it, but the referee – for some reason – didn’t see it.
“If that goes in, we’d have had extra time against ten men. After that, Fabio Ramos put a header over from four yards out – it just wasn’t our day.”
Although the Lincs Junior Cup was high on Dunn’s personal priority list – it’s the only trophy he hasn’t won as Pinchbeck boss – he admits that, in the grand scheme of things, the loss isn’t the end of the world for his team.
Winning the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division and securing promotion to ChromaSport UCL Division One is the main goal, while The Knights are also in the last eight of both the PFA Senior Cup and President Premier Shield.
“There are some positives for us,” added Dunn. “I thought we defended superbly, with Chris Shipley and Tony Edwards filling in very well in positions they aren’t used to.
“Callum Lawe, who wasn’t well, also did very well in midfield. We were down to the bare bones, but still got a side out – last season that wouldn’t have happened.
“Yes, I wanted to win the Lincs Junior Cup. But, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not the end of the world for us.
“The league and promotion are the true aims, while we have two other cups to fight for. You can’t win every game – and we’ll have fewer games piling up, too.”
Pinchbeck’s bid for Premier Division glory resumes with a home date against South Holland rivals Holbeach United Reserves on Saturday (2pm). They go into that clash in fourth place, three points off top spot with two games in hand.
Pinchbeck: Ashton, Edwards, Gardner, Shipley, Ross, Bishop, Lawe, Panton, Ogden, Dunn, Orrey. Subs used: Ramos, Wright. Not used: B Murrell, Eyes.
Attendance: 75.
