Santos coach Ian Palmer was left to rue missed chances as his side slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Mpumalanga Black Aces in a PSL promotion/relegation match on Thursday.

The People's Team, at home at the Cape Town Stadium, failed to make the most of their dominance and chances on the night as they allowed Aces to come back from a goal down and leave with the spoils.

The result put a serious dent in their promotion hopes, as Aces lead the way with six points, five ahead of both Chippa United and Santos.

"I think we were the better team but it's about finishing your chances in the last third of the field. I think we made two mistakes which they finished off - it was a beautiful first goal," Palmer said.

"But I think we should have used our chances better. If you want to get into the PSL, when you get chances like that you must finish them off.

"Up until we made a mistake - I think the conditions (played a part) with Jurie (Basie) slipping - but a good finish from Aces. After that it was just an uphill for us.

"But like I said, if you get chances like that, and you want to play in the PSL, these are the chances you finish off.

"There are still two games to go, six points to play for, so we must just try and get maximum points."