The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Pinchbeck United 0 Leicester Nirvana 2
Despite seeing his side suffer a ninth defeat on the spin, Pinchbeck United boss Lewis Thorogood had reason to be happy on Saturday.
The Knights slipped down to a precarious 16th place in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North after a 2-0 home reverse against Leicester Nirvana.
Deen Master (36) and Will Gonga (65) got the Nirvana goals in a Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field clash that Thorogood felt they were fortunate to win.
Indeed, the Knights chief felt his side played some “fantastic football” and was also delighted to hand a start to defender Nick Jackson.
The centre back crossed the South Holland divide to sign for Pinchbeck for a second time, having served as Holbeach United captain this season.
He formed an encouraging partnership with Neal Spafford, with Thorogood confident he now has the right pairing moving forward.
“It was a tight game,” said the Knights boss. “I think the best compliment I will take from it is that the opposition said they felt fortunate to come away with anything, let alone a win.
“We had the majority of the possession and played some really good stuff without being able to score a goal.
“They had two chances and scored both of them, which is just how it goes sometimes.
“When you’re down at the bottom and are searching for some kind of form, you rarely get that little bit of luck you need.
“Perhaps we need to keep working to earn that luck, but I’m pleased with what I saw from the lads.
“I thought we produced some fantastic football at times and really pinned them back in their own half.
“Despite the result, it was a big step forward to how we want to play.
“Having Nick Jackson in the side was a big plus. He’s been around the block in the UCL and he was great alongside Neal Spafford.
“We can tick those two off as a partnership in the knowledge that they will be a very settled and competent defensive partnership at this level.
“We’re perhaps one player light of having a team we can settle down and watch grow into the kind of team we want here.
“It’s all about working towards having continuity in our team selection and having the ability to pick a settled side.
“Once we’re settled, I’m confident we’ll start seeing better results on the pitch in what is perhaps the most competitive UCL top flight I can remember in recent history.”
Knights: Smith, Worthington, Robson, Moyses, Jackson, Spafford, Kacirek (Gagyi), Melson, Fixter, Johnson, Millar. Not used: Pipes-Goulsbra, Stevens, Taylor.
Attendance: 35.
