Brimsdown suffered a potentially pivotal defeat in Spartan South Midlands Division Two on Saturday, going down 1-0 to New Bradwell St Peter.

The defeat leaves Marvin Walker's men third in the standings with three games left to play. But with New Bradwell a place behind them on goal difference and boasting a game in hand, the Limers know they must finish strongly to cling onto third.

Brimsdown edged possession in the early stages of the game yet they struggled to create many presentable chances with it.

But in the 20th minute an opportunity came and went begging. Striker Ola Akinwande beat his man and fired the ball low across the box but there was nobody on-hand to tap the ball home.

In a tight game the first goal was always going to be vital. And it was New Bradwell St Peter that struck the first blow with 33 minutes gone.

Lloyd Nurse hit a hard low shot, which beat Harry Barfoot in the Brimsdown goal, to hand New Bradwell the advantage.

Just five minutes later Ralston Gabriel had a chance to level for the Limers. But rather than make his way into the box, he choose to shoot early from 20 yards and his shot flew over the crossbar.

Brimsdown made a strong start to the second half, carving out a number of chances within minutes of the restart.

The two best openings fell to Akinwande. First, he lost his marker from a corner but could only steer his free header off target. Then, not long after, a throw-in from Jude Stirling was flicked into Akinwande's path but the forward's clever backheel was cleared off the line.

New Bradwell St Peter weathered the Brimsdown storm and as the game went on, it was looking increasingly likely New Bradwell's goal would be enough.

With time running out, the Limers had to press for an equaliser. As they did, New Bradwell nearly doubled their lead but only a fine stop from keeper Barfoot kept the game open at 1-0.

And with just minutes remaining, Reiss Gabriel became the latest Limer to pass up the chance to equalise, shooting over the bar when well placed.

The Limers travel to Mursley on Saturday, with re-arranged fixtures at home to Mursley and away to Ealing Town still to be scheduled.