NANTWICH Town suffered a third Premier Division defeat in seven days on Tuesday, losing 3-0 at home to Grantham Town.

Goals from Alex Simmonds and Laurie Wilson in the second half added to Connor Johnson’s strike midway through the opening period.

It follows a 2-1 reverse for the Dabbers at King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

Danny Johnson’s men hope the distraction of playing in the FA Cup this weekend, when they visit Division One North promotion favourites Salford City in the first qualifying round, can be a welcome one.

If Saturday’s contest doesn’t end in a draw, then Nantwich will visit Halesowen Town next Tuesday.

They have been boosted this week by the return of frontman Aaron Burns following a brief spell with Evo-Stik Northern Premier League rivals Marine.

He scored against the Linnets too.

“Aaron did ok,” said Johnson.

“When he has been with me in the past we have always played 4-4-2, so he has to get used to a different system.”

On Saturday, first-half goals from Jackson Ramm and George Thomson established a 2-0 lead for the hosts.

Burns claimed the Dabbers’ reply.

Johnson believes the visitors were unlucky not to pick up a point.

He said: “I never like losing, but our energy levels in the second half were absolutely magnificent and the players have given it everything. It just wasn’t to be. 

“I thought the first half was quite even, while the second was one-way traffic. They could only hit us on the break, but we couldn’t get a second goal.”

He has predicted improved performances once injured players are available again for selection.

“When we get Max Harrop back and Steve Jones fit, as well as Adam Pepper, Mark Winslade and Mat Bailey, then that will be exciting,” he added.

“There are five or six names that would have started against King’s Lynn, so to push them like we did proves wer have strength in depth here now.”