Manager Mark Ducket admits Eynesbury face a battle to stay in the United Counties League Premier Division top six after slipping to a third successive defeat last Saturday.

Rovers were beaten 2-0 at Holbeach as their hopes of a runners-up finish were further dented – and the latest loss came at a big cost as leading scorer Craig Smith hobbled off with a hamstring problem just before the break.

A catalogue of fine saves from goalkeeper Jamie Greygoose kept Eynesbury on level terms at Holbeach until just after the hour.

He was powerless to prevent Jake Clitheroe from opening the scoring and was beaten again in stoppage time by home debutant Charley Sanders.

It left Ducket’s men sitting fifth in the standings, some nine points behind second-placed Deeping Rangers. His focus is now on at least equalling the sixth place the club managed last season.

“It was men against boys in all honesty for much of the game,” said Ducket.

“We were nowhere near ruthless enough when we had chances of our own, but I can’t pretend we deserved anything out of the game.

“Our squad is thin at the minute so losing Craig to injury is the last thing we needed.

“I’m desperately trying to bring in reinforcements. Michael Mackrell made his debut at Holbeach but I simply don’t have the sort of money wanted by the other six lads I tried to sign.

“Three defeats in a row in the league is a new experience for me in management.

“It’s not one I’m enjoying and it’s a run we need to snap, but there won’t be a quick fix on our budget.

“It’s now about ensuring we stay in the top six and at least equal what we did last season.

“It’s been a fantastic season up to now and we all need to muck in and make sure it doesn’t drift into being an average one.”

Eynesbury have an important game this Saturday when they entertain Northampton side Sileby Rangers at Hall Road. The two teams are level on points.