NANTWICH Town slipped to their fifth successive defeat at the hands of league leaders Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.

No favours for ex-boss Nigel Gleghorn then with the Dabbers comprehensively beaten at Jackson Avenue.

Facing a tough fixture to stop the rot, Nantwich were chasing the game far too early when Brickwell netted with just three minutes gone on the clock.

Despite endeavour from the injury-hit hosts, they found themselves 2-0 behind when Spring struck on 32 minutes.

Brickwell bagged a brace early in the second half to leave Nantwich with a mountain to climb although the impressive Matt Blake gave them a glimmer with his 11th of the season on 57 minutes.

But the title-chasers were not to be denied and Pond was on target to secure all the points, 18 minutes from time.

It's a close race at the top on NWC Division One with just two points between Fleetwood and Gleghorn's Newcastle; that won't bother the Dabbers who are stuck down the other end.

Player-boss Steve Davis has admitted it's more difficult to motivate his players with them safe from relegation but with little else now left to play for.

But he's using the games to scrutinise his squad for better things next term.

And a lengthy injury list has taken its toll.

"I now know how much we miss our senior players," he admitted.

"We will have to look to improve what we have in reserve for next season.

"We need to see who wants to be a part of things.

"I'm very ambitious and I want a squad that can match what I want to achieve."

Defeat to Fleetwood marked their final home game of the season in typical strange league scheduling.

Nantwich will look to the future while on the road in their last four fixtures.

The Dabbers are at Maine Road this Saturday and then St Helens on Tuesday night.

A trip to Squires Gate follows on Saturday, April 23 with a derby at struggling Congleton Town on April 30.