Captain James White has all but given up hope of Minster gaining promotion from Kent League, Division 3 after his side suffered a narrow nine-run defeat against leaders Holmesdale on Saturday.

The defeat saw Minster slip to sixth in the table. They are now 20 points off second place with just two games left to play.

White said: “We needed nine off the last over and unfortunately as well as Andy Hosken batted, he got caught on the first ball.

“Holmesdale played well. Their bowling attack was different class.”

After losing the toss and being asked to field, Henry Cooper (3-34) and White (3-59) helped dismiss the visitors for 164.

In reply, Tariq Khan (39) and Joe O’Donaghue (24) gave Minster a solid start.

Neil Hosken (15), Andy Hosken (32) and Craig O’Donaghue (11 not out) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as Minster were bowled out for 155 with just four balls left.

White added: “I was happy with our bowling and it was the best fielding effort I have seen from the guys all season.

“Our batting let us down and it would now take a big slip-up for us to still have a chance of going up.”

Minster return to action with a trip to play Linden Park on Saturday.

White said: “They did a job on Upchurch at the weekend. It is going to be tough as they are still figthing for promotion.”

White (holiday) is the only player unavailable for selection.