Hucknall Town suffered their first league defeat since November, as they were beaten away from home by high flying Birstall United last night (Tuesday 31 January).

Paul Pallett's strike with just over 15 minutes remaining was the difference between the two sides in a closely fought contest.

The Yellows had a couple of chances in the first half with Craig Westcarr heading a cross wide and Aaron Lamb denied by an excellent block from one of the Birstall defenders.

The hosts drew a fantastic save from Hucknall 'keeper Louis Kinnerley early in the second half and just as it seemed the game was heading for a drab goalless draw, Pallett produced a quality turn and finish to give Birstall the lead.

Hucknall pressed for an equaliser but some impressive defending prevented them from working good opportunities into threatening attempts on goal.

The referee's full time whistle signalled Hucknall's first defeat since a 2-1 away defeat to Saffron Dynamo on Saturday 12 November.

The result saw Birstall vault over Hucknall into third place in the Uhlsport United Counties Division One league table. Hucknall meanwhile, have now slipped to fifth, the final play-off spot. They currently have a seven point cushion to sixth place Radford but The Pheasants have two games in hand.

Next up for Hucknall is another trip to Leicestershire as they face Kirby Muxloe on Saturday (4 February).