BOURTON and Frankton suffered a 4-3 defeat to new league leaders and promotion rivals GNP Sports in a seven-goal thriller.
Bourton were never ahead during the tie as Daniel McManus, George Smith and Stuart McQuillan all found the net in vain at Yelverton Road.
The result means Bourton sit fifth in the Coventry Alliance Football League Division Three table, six points behind GNP with two games in hand.
GNP took an early lead when a through ball from the left was converted as the home side shaded the opening exchanges.
However, Bourton responded when McManus scored from the penalty spot after Smith was brought down in the box.
And despite Bourton creating further chances, GNP reclaimed the lead before the break with a similar goal to their first.
The home side took control of the game in the second half as GNP struck again to extend their lead as they caught Bourton on the counter attack.
Bourton quickly reduced the deficit when Smith latched onto Joe Pruden’s free kick at the back post as the visitors piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes.
However, GNP restored their two-goal lead with another counter attack goal to secure the points before McQuillan netted a late consolation with a fine effort from distance that dipped underneath the crossbar.
Bourton play GNP away on Saturday, April 8 in the Peter Toogood Cup with kick-off at 2.15pm at Yelverton Road.
