Campion AFC suffered a third consecutive defeat on Saturday afternoon as Retford United came away from the Anytime Couriers Stadium with all three points in a hard-fought NCEL Premier Division encounter.

The hosts started brightly and created a number of opportunities during an encouraging opening period. Luke Jeffries and Paddy Sykes both looked dangerous going forward, while Ewan Gregson, operating in an unfamiliar central position, also came close as Campion looked to make the early breakthrough.

At the other end, Campion's defensive unit stood firm. Jamie Allsop and Max Dickinson formed a resolute partnership at the heart of the defence, limiting Retford United's opportunities and ensuring that goalkeeper Luke Wilson was rarely troubled during the opening 45 minutes.

Campion could perhaps count themselves unfortunate to head into the interval with the scores still level, having produced enough attacking threat to feel they could have gone into the break ahead.

Retford United, however, emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and began to put Campion under greater pressure.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Following a Retford set-piece, the ball fell kindly for winger Phillip Watt, whose effort looped over Luke Wilson and found the back of the net to give the visitors the advantage.

Campion responded positively and continued to search for an equaliser, but Retford's defence remained organised and determined, frustrating the hosts' attempts to restore parity.

Then, in the 80th minute, Retford delivered what proved to be a decisive blow.

Substitute Alans Voskresenski picked up possession on the right before cutting inside and producing an outstanding curling effort which flew into the top corner, beyond the reach of Wilson, to double the visitors' advantage.

Campion refused to surrender and pulled a goal back just three minutes later.

Kai Phillip delivered an excellent cross into the danger area, where defender Corey Billy rose highest to head home and give Campion renewed hope of completing a late comeback.

Despite pushing forward in the closing stages, Campion were unable to find the equaliser as Retford United defended valiantly to secure the points.

The result sees Campion suffer their seventh defeat in all competitions and fourth home defeat of the season, while the Blues will now look to respond quickly when they return to action on Friday evening.

Campion travel to South Yorkshire to face newly promoted Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, with the squad aiming to end their current run of three consecutive defeats and return to winning ways.