Onwards and upwards

City will pick themselves up, dust themselves down and go again after a tough JPL season opener at Stourbridge.

Looking every inch of the side that reached the JPL elite league stages last season, Stourbridge totally dictated play during the first quarter of this cup clash and gained a three goal lead - the opening goal one of three to be conceded from corners, the second a composed finish after City failed to deal with a delivery into their box and the third a header that somehow looped in after a spectacular goal-line clearance had seemingly kept the ball out. City's best chance of the quarter fell to Guy Collett who was unfortunate not to be able to get a decent connection on a Will Cottell cross.

A change of formation galvanised the visitors at the start of the second quarter when the excellent Cottell brought a good save from the home keeper at his near post. Unfortunately soon afterwards, City were punished again at a corner before Stourbridge netted the goal of the game with a spectacular dipping half-volley from the left wing.

Cottell was having a superb game for City and he nearly pulled a goal back in Q3 after being put in by Jamie Neath but saw his shot come back off the post. In between the hosts' sixth and seventh goals, Cottell brought out another good save after a strong run.

Three disappointing goals were conceded in the final quarter, when Matt Athey pulled a consolation goal back for City after an impressive solo run.

Plenty of lessons to be learned from this opening day encounter but it's onwards and upwards for the next JPL Cup fixture and first home match of the season at Perdiswell against Gloucester City.