Sleaford Town failed to extend their unbeaten run to six games after a poor display against Cogenhoe.

A two-goal deficit at the break proved to be too much and although a Simon Bolland goal gave the side some heart, Cogenhoe did enough to hang on and then add a disputed third goal in the United Counties League Premier Division match.

In a poor first half Town forwards Miles Hunter and Martin Wormall were given little supply, and the fingers of one hand would be enough to count the passes from midfield that found a green shirt.

Cogenhoe played the ball through the whole side, making particular use of classy right-winger Dan Thomason who gave home left-back Stuart Smith a torrid time.

Cogenhoe scored the opener on eight minutes as Thomason made ground before finding striker Ben Baines. Despite an acute angle he threaded a shot past Town keeper Jack Drury.

Seven minutes later the lead was doubled with Alfie Taylor nipping past Smith and crossing low for Baines to finish from close range.

Thomason continued the torture and two other crosses could have led to further goals, as headers from Dan Burke and defender Danny Frid just missed the target.

Then a stray ball from Gary Walters allowed Taylor through, but keeper Drury came out to block.

Town looked more determined after the break and on 53 minutes the deficit was reduced as Wormall slipped a good through-ball for Hunter's shot to be blocked, and in ran Bolland for an easy finish.

It now looked odds on that the game could be saved. However, there was a curious spell in which the referee killed the contest with his stopping and starting, taking an age each time he awarded a free-kick or spoke to a player.

It negated the Sleaford momentum and allowed Cogenhoe time to recover their composure.

Stuart Smith received a second yellow card for a foul on Baines and was made to walk.

Ten minutes from the end Cogenhoe made sure of the points when Taylor, although appearing to be offside, moved through as the home defence pushed forward, and scored.

Right at the end, Cogenhoe's Dan Burke was given his marching orders for use of the elbow.