CAPTAIN Steve Adshead fears Astwood Bank’s promotion showdown at Pershore will be a dead rubber on the back of Monday’s last-ditch defeat at Lichfield.

Third-placed Bank missed the opportunity to keep pace with their rivals for a top-two finish after affording their hosts too many runs from the middle order.

Having set a strong target of 206 for seven, an innings in which Adshead (47) and Sam Thomas (41*) led the way and tail-ender Michael Desmond rattled off an unbeaten 26 from 23 deliveries, the visitors were confident of victory.

Lichfield were held to 72 for four but Stuart Fielding (92) and Joe Seager (40) put on 107 for the fifth wicket before Lewis Peat and James Sarginson pushed them over the line with two balls to spare.

Adshead said: “I thought we had put together a pretty decent score considering the pitch was not great but we did not quite manage to control their innings through the middle period, something we usually do well.

“At one point they were cruising but we managed to claw our way back into it. The seamers had a great day but that loss of control at a vital time cost us.

“That probably puts an end to our hopes of promotion. It is still possible but highly unlikely. Pershore would have to lose three out of three.

“The lads were disappointed. They have put a lot into the season and it was harder to take because they knew they hadn't played as well as they could have. That said, Lichfield performed well and deserve credit for a good run chase.”

On Saturday, Astwood Bank made light work of backmarkers Whitchurch. Dan Taylor (4-26) helped restrict the visitors to 158 and opener Tom Pedley (53) was the leading light as Bank hit their reduced target of 152 for the loss of three wickets in less than 19 overs.

Adshead expects to name an unchanged side for Saturday's trip to Pershore (noon).