New Stonehouse Town boss Adam Coyle remained composed following his side’s 2-0 home loss to Hellenic League newcomers Alcester Town on the opening day of the season.
“Overall, it’s a feeling of disappointment,” said Coyle. “But it’s the first game of a long season, and the key is not getting too high when you win or too down when you lose.”
Despite the scoreline, Coyle saw positives in the performance: “We showed lots of positives — it was just that final killer pass or shot that wasn’t there. We scored a perfectly fine goal through Lewis Bainbridge, which got ruled out which is a frustrating.

“In pre-season it was, and we know we’ve got good players in the final third, so we’re not too worried.”
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Coyle pinpointed the first goal as a turning point: “It was crucial and allowed them to sit in with a back five and deny us space.”
The Magpies will look to bounce back on Tuesday night away at Malmesbury Victoria, with Coyle hopeful of a response: “Tuesday will be a different game and a chance to keep improving as a group.”