New Street went down to much fancied Hythe and Dibden on Saturday to the only goal but manager Paul Reidy was pleased with the display against a very strong side full of experience.

Played at Blackfield and Langley’s Gang Warily ground while their new ground is prepared in the village, Hythe featured former Andover strikers Lee Burch and Lee Chudy but despite that Street held their own and grew in confidence.

Following a scrappy start they thought they had taken the lead as midfielder Keiron LeBrun, on his Wessex League debut, put Shaun Patterson in to score but the offisde flag was up with no complaints from the visitors.

Reidy told the Advertiser: “From the half hour mark Hythe’s class began to show but our keeper Dave Tasker pulled off a stunning save and with the woodwork saving us it was 0-0 at the break.”

Street started again brightly with midfielders Josh Aspinall and Craig Harmon working hard before the former was injured and with the home side making changes they threatened.

The Street defence held out superbly until a fortunate goal five minutes from time from substitute Burch gave Hythe the points.

Redmond Hutchins and Chris Boothe worked hard up front and Reidy believes a draw would have been a fair result but added: “Our attitude was exceptional and the first win will not be far away.”

Tomorrow Street, sponsored by Aldridge Vehicles, go to Ringwood Town in the league.