Sutton & Epsom coach Jeff Parsons was left ruing a missed opportunity after an 11-5 defeat at home to fellow promotion chasers Sidcup.

Sutton could have leapfrogged Chobham into second place in London Division One South had results gone their way, but instead find themselves fourth trailing Sidcup on points difference.

Sam Hurley’s try was the only score for Sutton while full-back James Poland went over for Sidcup in the second half to take the game beyond the hosts.

“It was a massive game for us and we’re down about the result,” said Parsons.

“We had a chance to go second but we could not get that win and it’s very disappointing.”

He added: “I can’t question the effort from the boys and we now need to stay positive and move on.”

Despite showing promising signs in the first half, Sutton failed to turn territory into points as they came up against the meanest defence in the division.

After 18 games, Sidcup have conceded just 184 points at an average of 10.2 per game.

Next in the meanest defence table are Guildford, who have conceded 303 points – 119 worse than Sidcup.

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Flying Frankie Murray

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Parsons said: “We tried to play our usual expansive running style of rugby, but their defence is like coming up against a brick wall.

“However, looking ahead, we can overturn the four-point gap to Chobham and finish second, even though we have a difficult run-in, including playing three teams in the top six.”

This weekend, Sutton travel to Charlton Park – a side where indifferent form has seen them win twice in their past five games.

However, with one of those victories coming against Sidcup, Parsons is aware of the threat they present.

He said: “Charlton Park are a good side and they have a lot of physical players.

“It will be tough to win there and we will have to play well to get anything out of the match.”