As with the first two defeats in this run, we started strongly and controlled much of the opening twenty minutes. Unfortunately, for all our early possession and promising play, we failed to really test the Rossington goalkeeper.
And, as has become an all-too-familiar story, we conceded with our opponents' first attack. A miscued clearance from James Roffey in our goal fell to a Rossington midfielder some thirty yards out. His first-time effort was miscued, but with luck seemingly determined to abandon us at present, the ball fell kindly into the path of a Rossington striker who, well placed, fired home from close range.
To our credit, we were back on level terms within two minutes. Rhys Walwyn-Alsop saw him race into the box before laying the ball off for Ishaq Bouheraoua, who made no mistake in bringing Phoenix back into the game.
From that point, we more than held our own for the remainder of the half, matching our opponents and looking capable of getting something from the contest. However, just as the half was drawing to a close, Rossington regained the lead with an unchallenged header from a corner. Another frustrating goal to concede at a time when we had worked hard to stay in the game.
The opening stages of the second half saw Phoenix pushing forward in search of another equaliser. But just as we were looking to get ourselves back on level terms, a pinpoint free kick into our box was met by a cracking header, extending Rossington's lead to 3–1.
Unfortunately, that third goal knocked the stuffing out of us. From then on, we became increasingly disheartened and found ourselves second best for the remainder of the game. In truth, had it not been for some decent goalkeeping and some wayward finishing from the home side, the scoreline could have been considerably worse.
So, another defeat, and our fourth in succession. There is no escaping the need to turn things around, but once again there were spells in which we showed what we are capable of. The challenge now is to turn those promising periods into results and stop the frustrating pattern of conceding at crucial moments.
On a more positive note, there were two thoroughly deserved joint Men of the Match performances, with Dan Sidall and Rhys Walwyn-Alsop sharing the honours.
The gods of football clearly aren't smiling on Phoenix at the moment, but we need to keep working, keep believing and find a way to change our fortunes.