Huntingdon Town chief Scott Witherall admits the task of saving the club’s Premier Division status is proving to be every bit as tough as he expected.

A fine strike from Alex Shepherd and the frequent heroics of goalkeeper Carl Mackney were not enough to prevent another loss for the bottom side last Saturday as they went down 2-1 to Cogenhoe at Jubilee Park.

Shepherd struck for the second time in three games to hand Town an 18th minute advantage, but they were pegged back just before the hour and fell behind with 15 minutes to go. Mackney produced a late penalty save to prevent further damage.

Witherall said: “I knew I was taking on a difficult job and that has certainly proved to be the case.

“We’re working hard and trying to improve, but we are coming up against classy players and teams with budgets all the time. We certainly could have done without losing two players to injury as well.”

Jordan Brockett and Jamie Waterworth went off with heel and groin problems respectively with the latter likely to be sidelined for some time.

Huntingdon host Deeping tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm) ahead of a Saturday trip to Harborough.

Witherall added: “Home form is going to be hugely important if we are to get ourselves off the bottom of the table. “Deeping are going well and it is another huge game, but one we’ll be hoping to get a result in.

“If we can’t win games, we’ve got to try and pick up draws as those points will make a big difference to our season.”