Pinchbeck United boss Dunn admits he was dismayed by ‘amateurish’ rivals

Ian Dunn admits that he and his Pinchbeck United side are beginning to feel like nobody in ChromaSport UCL Division One wants to play against them.

The Pinchbeck player/boss was angry after seeing Saturday’s trip to Thrapston Town called off because the hosts were unable to raise a side, meaning the table-toppers hadn’t played since March 6.

Dunn has called that “amateurish behaviour” – insisting that he thought he and his team had left that kind of problem behind after their promotion from ChromaSport PDFL last year.

The two sides will try again at Chancery Lane this Saturday (3pm), with Pinchbeck at least able to warm up for that one with a 5-0 victory over Oakham United on Wednesday night.

Josh Smith (2), Ollie Maltby, Aaron Eyett and Reif Clarke (penalty) netted in that one at the Sir Halley to put the Knights to within eight points of the title.

“I really thought we’d left this kind of amateurish behaviour behind,” blasted Dunn. “You expect it in the PDFL and we’d been on the receiving end of it before.

“But you expect better in the UCL. What makes it even more odd is that they were at home – they didn’t even need to travel for the match. I’m just frustrated.

“Do teams not want to play against us? It’s starting to feel that way.

“The Irchester game was off when everybody else was on too, so we’ve just been a bit frustrated by everything.

“It’s fortunate that we’ve done so well this season, as this run of postponements could really have derailed our season.

“As it is, Potton have still been able to apply pressure on us. We’re in the situation now where a loss could see some panic set in – but it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“You have to credit Potton, though. They’ve really gone for it recruitment-wise and are pushing us all the way. You can see them winning their remaining games, so it’s keeping us honest.”

After Potton United’s 5-1 win at Bourne Town on Tuesday night, they are now eight points behind Pinchbeck at the top of the table – although Dunn’s side have played two games less.

Tom Brooks and Nick Bishop missed Wednesday’s game, but they should return for the Easter games at Thrapston (Saturday) and at home to Harrowby United (Easter Monday, 3pm).