Ian Dunn has admitted that Pinchbeck United’s slim hopes of winning the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title are all but over after Saturday’s 1-0 home reverse against Whittlesey Athletic.
A first-half strike from former Spalding United hitman Liam Harrold was the difference between two of the league’s top sides at Knight Street, as Pinchbeck dropped down to ninth in the standings.
Hosts United were actually lucky not to go in 2-0 down at half time, with new keeper Ricky Lovelace pulling off a superb penalty save to deny Matt Heron from the spot following a foul from Tom Brooks.
It was an otherwise tight game, with player/boss Dunn accepting that his Pinchbeck side didn’t quite do enough to prevent their first league defeat since way back on August 22.
“On balance, it was one of those games when a draw was probably a fair result,” said the experienced striker. “But I think Whittlesey are just a little bit more experienced and street-wise than we are. We made one mistake and they punished us, I’m afraid.
“It was a game between two good sides – and I think the neutral would have enjoyed watching the match.
“Overall, we just didn’t quite create enough on the day to get a result.
“We’ve dropped a few places in the league now, but I’m not overly concerned. We’ve got games to catch up on and a place in the top four is very much within reach.
“The title is now probably out of reach, but finishing in the top six was the aim at the start of the season.
“One thing is for sure, we’ll certainly have a say where the title goes as we’ve still got a few of the contenders to play.
“A top four finish is realistic for us – and that would still represent good progress.”
Next up for Pinchbeck is a tricky looking home date with Uppingham Town on Saturday (2pm), before they visit AFC Stanground in the President Premier Shield the following Saturday (at Yaxley’s 3G pitch, 1.30pm).
Pinchbeck: Lovelace, Leggett, B Murrell, Brooks, A Murrell, Bishop, Gardner, Wright, Ogden, Dunn, Sae-Be. Subs used: Brown, Francis, Withers. Not used: Ross.
Attendance: 50
