Cottesmore AFC are beaten by Desford in the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division
Manager John Rawdon felt his Cottesmore side deserved to get more for their efforts after suffering a late defeat against high-flying Desford on Saturday.
The Rutland side went down to a 2-1 home reversal against the visitors who look set to finish as runners-up in the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division.
Cottesmore had conceded a penalty in the first half before Brenden Parker got them back on level terms ahead of the interval.
Just when it looked like the spoils would be shared between the two teams for the second time this season, Desford were awarded a second spot kick late on which they converted to take the three points.
Rawdon said: "We were really gutted result-wise because the lads deserved a point.
"We played really well in context because the squad was stretched and we had to re-jig a few things with players playing out of position.
"It was probably the best we have played in months. We were really competitive and matched them all over the pitch.
"We went toe-to-toe with them which is credit to the lads and it was only two penalties which separated us on the day.
"It was a little tough to take because I felt that we deserved a point on the day but we have to take the positives from a good performance.
"It shows that we are competitive but maybe we didn't quite have enough quality on the day to get the job done which is what it has come down to."
An even start had seen Desford go close to breaking the deadlock only to be denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Richard Stainsby who has joined on dual registration from United Counties League side Harrowby United.
Parker poked an effort just wide at the other end before Desford took the lead with their first penalty after Shaun Denigan cleared a ball but caught the visiting forward's head and the referee pointed to the spot.
Callum Brown converted the penalty but parity was soon restored as Cottesmore equalised when Parker rounded off a well-worked move with an emphatic finish.
That sent the teams in level at the break with Cottesmore's goalscorer again going close after the restart with a shot that went just wide.
Stainsby made another good save as Desford started to get on top of the game as the match entered the final stages.
The visitors created a couple more half chances but solid defending from Cottesmore looked to have earned a point.
However, in stoppage time, Stainsby came for a cross and collided with the Desford forward and a second penalty was awarded which Brown again converted to secure victory for the visitors.
The defeat ended Cottesmore's five-match unbeaten run with another tough test coming up this Saturday when they host fifth-placed Ellistown at Westray Park.
Rawdon commented: "I can't wait for it. We play better against the better teams.
"There is no pressure on us now. We know it will be a tough game but that's what we want. We want to be involved in proper games of football which are played the right way.
"It has been really important for us to be competitive this season and, if teams have beaten us, they've had to work hard for it.
"That was the case last Saturday. Fair play to Desford because they took the points but they didn't walk away thinking it was easy."