Tough welcome back as Selston fall at Harrowby

Selston FC's return to the United Counties League Division One ended in defeat as Harrowby United claimed a 2–0 victory on the opening day of the new season.

Following last season's championship-winning campaign and promotion, Selston travelled to Lincolnshire for what was always expected to be one of the toughest opening fixtures against a Harrowby side relegated from the Premier Division.

The opening exchanges were understandably cagey, with both teams treating the contest like a game of chess with Harrowby enjoying slightly more possession and better opportunities in the first half.

The home side broke the deadlock on 52 minutes after an emphatic finish from Kene Ukatu.

Stevenson reacted immediately, introducing Henley Haywood for Alex Hardman on 63 minutes and pushing the impressive Ty Short into midfield in an attempt to add greater energy and drive.

However, just as Selston began to build some momentum, Harrowby struck again. Having already been denied by an excellent Meehan save moments earlier in an almost identical move, the hosts again played a direct ball over the top on 66 minutes. This time Sam Wright timed his run perfectly before calmly finishing beyond Meehan to double the advantage.

Selston continued to search for a route back into the contest. Leighton Bowering replaced Ben Moore, Mason England came on for Colt Reynolds, and with time running out Stevenson made one final attacking gamble by introducing towering defender Dan Whitton for Jake Payling, pushing Whitton into a makeshift centre-forward role in search of a late breakthrough.

Despite plenty of endeavour and commitment, Selston were unable to trouble the Harrowby goal sufficiently. While the hosts enjoyed the lion's share of possession, it was two direct balls that ultimately proved decisive, and the visitors will know they must be more clinical and creative in the final third as the season develops.

Although the result was disappointing, there were positives to take from a disciplined first-half display against one of the division's fancied sides, and Selston will look to respond quickly as they continue their return to Step 6 football.

Manager Lee Stevenson said: "It was always going to be a difficult place to come on the opening day against a side that has dropped out of the Premier Division, and for 45 minutes I thought we were excellent. We were organised, disciplined and carried out the game plan really well.

"We're disappointed with the two goals because they're avoidable. We'd identified the threat of the direct ball, but we switched off at key moments and were punished.

"The effort and commitment from the lads was there for everyone to see, but in the final third we lacked that bit of quality and composure to really test them. It's a long season, we've got a great group here, and we'll learn quickly from today. There are plenty of positives to build on."