Eric Tinkler - Sekhukhune United’s Polokwane derby defeat down to players

Babina Noko’s eight-match unbeaten run came to an end, with the loss also seeing them slip to second place after reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns beat Richards Bay later in the day.

Tinkler conceded that Sekhukhune were undone by a pragmatic Polokwane side, whose approach may not be easy on the eye but proved effective.

"We are obviously disappointed about dropping three points, but we are also disappointed because of how we conceded the goal.

"Polokwane City is a team that doesn't play petty football, they look to play it long. There is no build up or creation phase, it's just ball in the box, and if you don't win the second ball, you will be in trouble."

READ: Orlando Pirates couldn’t afford slip-up against Lioli – Abdeslam Ouaddou

The coach stressed that he wanted to continue stretching the gap at the top.

"We wanted to stretch the lead at the top, all of us wanted to keep the momentum going, but I still cannot fault the effort of my players."

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder had mixed feelings when asked whether the end of their purple patch was a wake-up call in the title race.

"I don't think the better team won this evening, and what is very important for us is that we don't change the way we play, and that we continue doing what we're doing. 

"We have just got to get better at the finer details."