I got a lot of half-volleys, and that makes it easier Andrew Hall

A five-man pace attack could not prevent Andrew Hall hitting a career-best 99 not out to help South Africa's lower order set England a victory target of 401.

"We realised coming here today that we had a good chance of knocking them over for 250 or 300," Fletcher admitted.

"But through inexperience we just did not put the ball in the areas we needed to - and Andrew Hall batted exceptionally well.

"The things you get away with at a lower level, you don't get away with here. The margins are smaller."

The home side's last, slim hope rests with sixth-wicket pair Mark Butcher and Andrew Flintoff, who made light of a difficult surface in an unbroken stand of 70.

"It will be a very difficult task, there is no doubt about that," Fletcher conceded.

"But with these two batting you never know what could happen."

England's bowling was so bad that it needed to be seen to be believed Read Agnew's verdict

Hall himself said the home attack were not as disciplined as they had been earlier in the match.

"We seemed to get a lot of really full or short balls - and they are easy to score off," he said.

"I got a lot of half-volleys, and that makes it easier - especially on a pitch which is not always bouncing evenly."

It all allowed Hall to come within one run of a maiden Test century, only for last man Dewald Pretorius to be bowled by a shooter to leave his senior partner stranded.

Hall admitted that was a disappointment personally but added he could have no complaints about the efforts of the tail.

"Just missing a hundred like that is something you always dread," said the all-rounder.

"You have seen it happen to other players and you always hope it doesn't happen to you. But I hope there will be plenty more opportunities.

"I am obviously really disappointed but happy that the guys hung around with me for so long."