Frustrated Pinchbeck United player/boss Ian Dunn reckons that the bizarre early season Future Lions UCL Premier Division fixture schedule almost cost him one of his star players.
Luke Wilson, who has only played once for the Knights since joining from Wisbech Town, looked to be set to return to the Fenmen after they offered him improved terms.
As Pinchbeck – who attempted to re-arrange games with both Sleaford Town and Peterborough Northern Star – were without a game on Saturday, they allowed the dual registered Wilson to play for his former club against Spalding United on Monday.
The defender put in a sterling showing, prompting Wisbech boss Gary Setchell to offer him a route back to the club permanently.
Dunn wasn’t sure if he’d lose the versatile ace, but admits he’s been angered by the situation.
“It seems Wisbech want Luke back,” said Dunn. “By all accounts he did very well against Spalding.
“He came to us because he wasn’t getting enough game time. But we had no game at the weekend and did Wisbech a favour by letting him play for them.
“Obviously he’s done well and they are now offering him a better standard of football and more money.
“We did our best to get a game sorted, but it’s madness to have a free weekend in August. Yes, we went out of the FA Cup – but so did plenty of other UCL sides.
“I had no idea what would happen at one point, but it looks more hopeful now than it did at the start of the week and I think he’ll stay now.”
Meanwhile, Dunn is hoping that his promoted side can keep their unbeaten start in the league going at Cogenhoe United on Saturday (3pm).
The Knights have won two of their three games so far, drawing the other.
Having beaten leading side Leicester Nirvana 1-0 last time out, Dunn wants to see the same kind of performance at Compton Park.
“Cogenhoe away is a proper UCL game,” added Dunn. “Obviously I fancy us to go there and win.
“They like to play on the front foot and that may suit us, we like teams coming on to us. But, as always, we’ll adapt and play the way we need to.
“The Nirvana performance is the benchmark for us now, we need to match that.”
Jack Smith returns from suspension, but Lee Beeson, Nick Bishop and Fraser Bayliss are ruled out.
