Pinchbeck United put in a battling performance against United Counties League Division One North leaders Retford FC on Tuesday night, but were undone by three set pieces.
The Knights defended well in Sleaford but fell behind to a Iren Wilson goal.
Further goals from Scott Boden on 56 minutes and Ahmed Tahar on 67 minutes ensure Retford earned a comfortable win in the end and went eight points clear at the top having only lost two and failed to win five times this season.
Flynn Slater went closest for Pinchbeck putting an effort just past the post.
It ended a three-match unbeaten run comprising of draws for the Knights whose scheduled game at Dronfield Town last Saturday was postponed due to a water-logged pitch.
Pinchbeck sit 16th in the table seven points above the drop zone with 11 games remaining.
Knights: Martin, Cullen, Hayward, Melson, Simpson, Balding, Drought, Shinn, Slater, Gadzia, Wards. Sub: Turunen, Douce, Brooks, Howlett.
Attendance: 51
Pinchbeck lose at league leaders
