A 1-0 loss to Coastal Spirit in Christchurch yesterday keeps the Royals in third place, still just one point off the top two qualifying spots for the National League with nine rounds to play.
The top two clubs, Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical, had earlier drawn 1-1.
Royals coach Richard Murray said his team played reasonably well on the heavy Linfield Park pitch.
"We dominated a lot of the first half and had a couple of really good chances but we just couldn’t take them," Murray said.
"They scored a scrappy goal five minutes into the second half and then just sat back and did what they do, and we couldn’t get one in the net.
"Just one of those games. Tough one, but we didn’t put our chances away."
Hayden Aish continued his run of excellent form for the Royals, and Sean Cooper also impressed, Murray said.
There were solid efforts off the bench from teenagers Max Davidson and Hugh Jack.
The Royals were missing two of their best players in Oban Hawkins (New Zealand futsal commitments) and Ben Stanley (injured).
It would have been nice if the Royals had been able to end the weekend in second place but there was still plenty of football left, Murray said.
"It’s a missed opportunity but it’s not a death knock.
"We had a chance to close the gap to three points off the top. We’re still five points off, but only one behind second.
"Getting the result would have meant we had destiny in our own hands but there are nine games to go and we’re one point off second place, so that’s not bad."
Green Island made a cracking start before slipping to a 2-1 loss to Ferrymead at Sunnyvale on Saturday.
The home team took the lead in the opening minutes as Ferrymead keeper Corey Turipa was forced into an error.
Turipa rushed out of the goal box and Green Island marksman Stefan Millidrag was on hand to tap in the opener.
Ferrymead soon restored parity when a breakaway gave Cameron Rean an opportunity, and he curled in a wonderful strike into the top right corner that gave keeper Benoit Beaujeon no chance.
Ferrymead doubled its lead when Joaquin Julve cut in from the left and placed his shot in the bottom corner.
Green Island looked for an equaliser but could not find a way past Turipa, who made some outstanding saves.
In the second half, Green Island struggled to break down a resilient Ferrymead, which was prepared to concede yellow cards in securing the three points.
The loss, combined with Nomads’ 3-1 win over Selwyn, drops Green Island into the bottom three.
The league takes a break for a Chatham Cup round next weekend.
When it resumes, Green Island faces leader Christchurch United in Dunedin, and the Royals head back to Christchurch to play Nomads.
— Hayden Meikle and Neville Watson
