Disappointed Long Sutton Athletic chief Matt Cawthorn felt his side lost a game they should have won as Wittering Harriers handed them a 3-1 home reverse in ChromaSport PDFL Division One on Saturday.
Sutton bossed the opening exchanges and deservedly went ahead when player/boss Cawthorn buried his 19th goal of the season from the penalty spot after Matty Oliver had been fouled.
But they lost their grip on the game and shipped goals to Dan MacDonald, Ash Middleton and Nathan Steele at London Road – meaning the Magpies have now lost six of their 13 league games this season.
Player/boss Cawthorn said: “It’s a game we should and could have won, so to get beat by a two-goal margin is poor, considering we were in charge for 30 minutes after leading.
“As a player I’m disappointed to have lost this game, but as a manager I’m even more disappointed.
“We’ve been on a good run of results, but I’d swap a couple of the cup wins for league points.
“It’s maybe a wake up call for the squad as the last few weeks we haven’t performed well but managed to get the positive result.
“I know the lads in the dressing room have massive characters and a lot of heart.”
Sutton now move on to a very tough Lincs Junior Cup clash at Premier Division big-hitters Pinchbeck United on Saturday (1.30pm).
Cawthorn added: ” We go as underdogs, but we will give it everything we possibly can.”
Sutton: Taylor, Ramm, Brandon, Melton, Fitch, Oliver, Narducci, Ward, Moses, Oliver, Cawthorn. Subs used: Nicholson, Gould.
Match ball sponsor: Dave Parrin Motors Wisbech.