Horncastle Town fell to two home defeats over the last week.

CGB Humbertherm collected all the points, 3-0, in midweek, then Lincolnshire League leaders Ruston Sports picked up a league double on Saturday by 3-1 just one week after their 4-2 win at home against Paul Johnson's men.

As in the first game against Rustons a week earlier Town certainly did not deserve to lose and the same could be said of this second meeting.

"We are going through a patch when nothing is running for us," said manager Johnson.

"We just need something to go our way inside the box, some rub of the green.

"Otherwise, I cannot fault either the quality of the play or the attitude, both of which remain excellent.

"No way would I want to see a drop in our standard of football, but perhaps we need one of those games when we play badly but somehow manage to scrape a win.

"Keeping players happy when things are going well is not too difficult; maintaining spirit when it is going against you is never easy. Fortunately I have a tremendous bunch of lads, and they are still fully focused, but it must turn round before too long."

The title contenders were held to a goal-less first half and had a few decent attempts, which might just have changed the course of the game.

Striker Michael Harness had his best game of the season and scored a fine goal in the second half, while Matt Low (pictured) again caused problems with his pace on the left.

Rustons scored first only for Harness to grab the equaliser for Horncastle.

The visitors regained their lead with a hotly-disputed goal with everyone expecting the offside whistle, even the Rustons contingent being surprised that the goal had been allowed to stand.

With everyone pushing forward at the end, the Lincoln side netted their third of the afternoon.

Johnson's team have slipped to 11th in the Lincolnshire League table.

This Saturday there a trip to play Louth United.