Deeping Rangers 3
Pinchbeck United 0
Three first-half goals sentenced Pinchbeck United to a fifth defeat on the spin on Tuesday night.
South Lincolnshire rivals Deeping Rangers climbed up to second place in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division table thanks to strikes from David Burton-Jones (5), Sam Murphy (28) and Sam Mooney (35) at the Haydon Whitham Stadium.
Pinchbeck, who handed a start to returning striker Corey Kingston after his switch from Huntingdon Town, were much improved after the break but were unable to mount a comeback.
The loss leaves The Knights second-from bottom with just five points after 11 games, leaving player/boss Ian Dunn to admit that he’s currently enduring of his most difficult spells in management.
But he’s determined to stick to his task and turn things around.
Dunn said: “We have to learn to put mistakes behind us and focus on the game better.
“I can’t question the effort levels, but as a young side it’s a steep learning curve for some.
“But, as they are young players you hope they do take things on board and improve as we move forward.
“It’s been one of the most difficult times I’ve had as a manager – but I’m determined to get it right and get some positive results.
“We had a decent result against Rugby Town a few weeks ago, so there is proof that we can do it.
“We just have to do it more often.”
The Knights, who also gave Niall Parsons his first start in midfield, lost keeper Ricky Lovelace early on after he was on the receiving end of a nasty elbow.
Dunn will be hoping that his number one will be fit to make the trip to Lutterworth Town on Saturday (3pm).
Promoted Lutterworth have settled into life in the top flight nicely and are in 13th place after four wins from their first ten games.
Knights: Lovelace (Woolley), Gordon, Worthington, Burton, Nuttell (Nyrambi), Ross, Bates, Parsons, Kelly (Kacirek), Gee, Kingston. Not used: Maltby, Bissett-Clarke.