Manager Mel Mattless admits March Town have to stop allowing precious Thurlow Nunn League First Division points to slip through their grasp.

The Hares have suffered back-to-back defeats in recent days – going down 2-1 at home to lowly Cornard last Saturday and then being beaten 3-1 at new table-toppers King’s Lynn Town Reserves last night.

Mattless is growing concerned by a familiar pattern of his side spurning golden scoring chances and then being punished by opponents. It’s a trend which he believes is costing them a place in the top half of the table. March currently sit in 13th spot.

“The problem we’ve had all season is that we aren’t taking our chances,” said Mattless. “That’s why we’ve drawn and lost a lot of games that we should be winning.

“After getting a great result at Holland recently, it’s disappointing not to be able to follow it up.

“Our aim is to finish in the top 10 to get into the FA Cup next season. We’re only six points off it, but we know we should be already in there.”

March fell behind just before half-time against Cornard, but a change of system sparked an improvement in performance in the second half.

Jack Brand levelled for the Hares before a host of other chances went begging – and they were punished when the visitors converted a penalty late on to pinch the points.

Brand also pulled March back onto level terms against the Lynn second string in midweek with his fourth goal in three games, but they were undone late on.

Defender Joel Mattless was dismissed for a handling a goalbound shot on the line. The home side tucked away the resulting penalty and then struck again on the break.

Striker Joe Woods made his debut as a substitute on Wednesday night after arriving from Wisbech St Mary.

Mattless added: “Jack is the only man putting the ball in the back of the net at the moment and we can’t just rely on one man for goals.

“We need other lads to chip in and we definitely need to be more ruthless as we’re missing so many chances.

“Hopefully Joe coming in will help us in that respect. He’s a good player with plenty of experience.”

A busy spell for March continues with a First Division trip to Braintree Town Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

And Mattless’ men are back on GER turf on Tuesday (14) when they entertain Cambridge United Development in the Cambs Invitation Cup quarter-finals.