Sleaford sunk by late winner at play-off rivals South Normanton
Sleaford Town manager Jamie McGhee felt his side were unlucky in their 2-1 UCL Division One defeat away at play-off rivals South Normanton Athletic on Saturday.
At 1-1 and pushing for a winner, the Greens were caught out by a counter attack on 73 minutes.
“I actually thought it was probably one of our better performances” he said.
“I think both teams really went for it today. South Normanton took a deserved lead and we were sleeping a bit. But, all in all I was pleased with the performance.
“The defining moments were those final passes and the final touches where it just didn’t quite drop for us.
“We tried to do all the right things, but those final moments of quality didn’t happen for us.
“We put them under a lot of pressure and I did think a goal was coming.
“One of Jonno's (Jonathan Timmins) best attributes is his heading ability and he is aggressive. He made good contact with the corner and it was a really good finish. It was pleasing to see that.
“But Devereux, who is a really good player, showed a bit of quality for their second goal, pulling it back for a simple tap-in for his mate. It was fine margins.”
After only five minutes, the hosts opened the scoring through Josh Devereux.
A cross from wide left was swung into the back post, but a sliced clearance from Sleaford defender Timmins meant the ball ran through to Devereux, who finished expertly from a tight angle.
Sleaford looked undeterred and Sam Edgington quickly had a shot blocked.
South Normanton then forced keeper Ryan Kamm into a fine string of saves.
The pick of the bunch was a superb save with his feet, denying a certain goal after 33 minutes.
South Normanton missed even more crucial chances after the break, Devereux and George Morris putting two big chances wide.
The game then turned into Sleaford dominance after the hour with centre half Timmins finally levelling for the visitors on 63 minutes, rising highest from a corner to power home his header.
However, only 11 minutes later, the Shiners' lead was restored on the break.
A mazy run from Devereux sliced open the Sleaford defence, and a low cross from the right of the box was then bundled in at the back post by William Whitehead.
As the game approached its end, Sleaford again began to turn the screw, but this time to no avail.
The Greens have made two new signings this week with the arrivals of Calum Law and Kareem Abouraia.
On Saturday Sleaford face another huge game against another side up there challenging with them in Shirebrook Town at home before hosting West Bridgford Colts for a second home game in four days on Tuesday.
“Shirebrook will be tough as they are another side above us – we have had a tough couple of weeks with fixtures,” said McGhee.
“But it's a game we want to win and we should be at full strength, and with one or two new additions it's only going to make us better.
“I am really pleased to have these two positive new signings.
“Our recruitment has been steady but effective, and the squad has really taken shape.
“Cal and Kaz bring real quality and work ethic to the squad and will fit in really well.”