NOT for the first time, a lack of finishing power cost Horncastle Town dear as they faced old rivals Heckington in their first run-out for six weeks.

As usual against this opposition it was a good contest and one that Town really should have won.

They started as they meant to go on and as the first half progressed, the swapping about of Tommy Chalk and Matt Low on the left flank caused a lot of problems for the home defence.

The Heckington centre-backs might well have been penalised for some rough treatment on Michael Harness and Danny Daubney.

Meanwhile, right-back Steve Brown had been forced off through injury and on went Jamie Lamming to do a good job. Eventually the referee did award a spot-kick when Harness threaded a ball through only for Low to have his legs taken from under him.

Ollie Johnson stepped up to convert from the spot and give his side a deserved lead on 25 minutes.

Chris Johnson came in with a couple of vital tackles on Musson as Heckington briefly pressed, then at the other end Town had an effort disallowed for offside against Harness as he touched in from close range. Almost on half-time, Ollie Johnson had a low shot go just past the foot of the post.

Heckington replied right from the restart following a corner.

Keeper Andrew Cotton did well to make the save, the ball put behind for another corner.

This one was cleared out of the area only for Alan Forwood to hit through a maze of legs to make it 1-1.

Town responded well and created more openings, but 10 minutes after drawing level the home side went ahead.

A harmless ball was hit forward towards the Town area, seemingly having beaten defender Luke Shelbourn and opponent Musson.

Out came Cotton, but he could not pick the ball up as it remained outside the area.

In apparent confusion, Shelbourn tried to clear but the ball fell for Andrew Collin to lift a superb lob shot into the net as Cotton remained well off his line.

Daubney then missed an absolute sitter when a Harness cross found him no more than two paces from the goal-line with the keeper beaten.

But he somehow managed to direct the ball wide of the post. He then retired with cramp and on went Ben Johnson.

With Chris Johnson pushing forward, Heckington broke away to add a flattering third goal two minutes from the end as Musson drilled across Cotton and into the far corner.