PERSHORE Town lost 2-0 to title-chasing Highgate in Midland League Division One despite playing good football in the first-half and being the better team.
Fifth-from-bottom Town felt there was a clear foul on Joe Walsh in the box midway through the first period but their appeals were waved away.
However, the hosts were unable to create enough clear-cut chances.
Highgate dominated possession in the second-half, putting Pershore under pressure.
The deadlock was broken after 78 minutes when Town lost possession in the middle of the pitch and a swift counter-attack was finished from close range by Nathan Edgington.
From the last kick of the game, the highly-rated Lei Brown prodded the ball past keeper Andrew Yarnold from eight yards.
Town entertain Atherstone Town in the Les James Challenge Cup second round on Saturday at the Winstanley King George V Stadium (3pm).
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