A YOUNG Stockbridge side were beaten 1-0 by newly promoted Hayling Island in their Hampshire Premier League Senior opener on Saturday.

However the Robins, playing their first competitive game under new boss Graham Bintcliffe, were unlucky in defeat, as they were edged out by a fortuitous second half goal.

Stockbridge took the field with a number of last season's under 18's within their rank and created several chances in the opening 45 minutes.

However they could not make the breakthrough as both sides went into half time with the scores level.

Five minutes into the second half Hayling went 1-0 up with a goal from Sam Cole.

The visitors then had their best period of the match.

Andy Brown headed just over the bar on 60 minutes for Hayling and two minutes later he tried a shot which just went wide of the near post.

Brown was on the case again on 68 minutes with a right footed shot at the far post, however it ended up in the side netting.

The Robins hit back and Charlie Wilcox was unlucky with a shot at the far post, which just flashed wide of the goal on 83 minutes.

Stockbridge goalkeeper Pete Roberts pulled off a fine save soon after to deny Hayling a second goal.

The Robins continued to battle to get back on level terms but they could not find the breakthrough as Hayling returned home with all three points.

Stockbridge host Colden Common on Saturday.