Stonehouse Town saw their 15-match unbeaten run come to an end as they slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against title-chasing FC Stratford.
The Magpies found themselves two goals down at half-time after first-half strikes from Dan Atkins and Toby Nicoll put the Bears firmly in control in this top of the table Hellenic One clash.
Although Stonehouse showed greater urgency after the break, they left themselves too much to do. Will Hawes, making his return, pulled a goal back in the closing moments, but it proved too late to salvage a result.
Manager Adam Coyle was critical of his side’s opening spell, admitting a sluggish start ultimately cost them.
“It was a poor first 30 minutes from us,” said Coyle. “Stratford are a very good side, but we let them be a very good side and then we gave away two rubbish and uncharacteristic goals from our point of view, which gave us a mountain to climb.”
Despite the setback, Coyle remains confident his play-off hopefuls can quickly respond.
“I see it a lot that people say Stonehouse is a tough place to come, but for half an hour it wasn’t and that’s what has cost us,” he added. “Now it’s time to show some character and get back to what has got us in a good position. More of the second-half intensity and I believe we’ll be okay.”
