Frustrated Pinchbeck boss Ian Dunn admitted he was disappointed his side didn’t see the game out after conceding a late leveller in Saturday’s entertaining Peterborough League Premier Division opener at Netherton.
Dunn’s charges were just five minutes away from a superb victory when the hosts snatched an equaliser to earn a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw.
The Pinchbeck chief conceded he would have taken a point before the game against a side tipped to strongly compete with Pinchbeck for title honours this season.
But, after twice letting the lead slip away, he feels his side have areas of their game they need to work on.
He commented: “We gave a silly free-kick away in the final third, they piled men forward and got the break to score the equaliser.
“It was really frustrating that we didn’t see the game out.
“They are a good side, better than they were last season, so I would have taken a point before the game.
“But it’s disappointing we didn’t get all three after leading until late on.
“We didn’t play particularly well and there are areas we need to work on and improve.
“We gave the ball away too cheaply and in silly areas which invited pressure.”
Pinchbeck were rocked by an early setback when centre-half Jack Smith was forced off injured after suffering a back spasm in the opening minute.
Netherton took full advantage of the defensive reshuffle to go into a fifth minute lead, but Pinchbeck grew into the contest as the match wore on.
They got back on level terms midway through the opening period when Ash Murrell was caught by a late tackle after seeing his shot go over the home crossbar and Tony Edwards stepped up to convert the resultant penalty.
A well-worked and pre-planned corner routine then put Pinchbeck ahead as the ball fell for Nick Bishop to convert with a Cruyff-like back heel.
However, just 30 seconds before half-time, Netherton equalised to send the teams in level at the break.
Pinchbeck regained the initiative after the interval and took a 3-2 lead when Tom Brooks scored just past the hour mark.
However, just as it looked like Pinchbeck would hold out, the hosts struck with just five minutes remaining.
Pinchbeck: Ashton, B Murrell, A Murrell, Smith, Gardner, Bishop, Brooks, Panton, Ogden, Maltby, Edwards. Subs: Leggett, Eyes, Francis, Lawe.
