Jimmy Adams admits crucial moments in games are proving Kent costly as they battle to stay in promotion contention.

The Kent head coach (pictured) blamed a poor third-day’s display as a key factor in the county losing their unbeaten record to LV=County Championship Division 2 leaders Derbyshire after a two-wicket defeat shortly after lunch on Sunday.

Kent led by 133 on first innings but a batting collapse on the third morning saw Kent dip from 93-3 to 161 all-out, Key making 81, leaving Derbyshire needing 295 for victory.

Adams said: "I don’t think it was entirely the reason why we lost but our cricket on day three was poor. I still thought bowling a side out for less than that with our attack wasn’t beyond our capabilities.

"It was disappointing to lose because we came back well in the game, but couldn’t do enough."

Dropped catches also hindered Kent chances of pressing home their advantage against Hampshire and Glamorgan in the two previous games and Adams added: "We are a strong unit but have let ouselves down, let a few things slip and they are costing us."

Adams added: "The Derby defeat wasn’t a fatal blow and we are still in contention but the promotion race is developing into quite a scrap and
becomes more interesting week-by-week.

"There are no weak teams in this division and we have to be up for every challenge."

Kent – currently in Championship action at Canterbury against Essex – face Derbyshire again in the Clydesdale Bank 40 at Canterbury on Sunday (1.45pm) and Warwickshire the following day (4.40pm).