Kenilworth Sporting's hopes of a perfect start to their Midlands League Division Two season were thwarted yesterday as they suffered a 5-3 home loss to Inkberrow.

With eight first team regulars not available, and a back four which had never played together it was defensive frailties that cost the hosts in the end.

Yesterday's defeat, in front of 175 fans, brought an end to Sporting's unbeaten home record, and is just the second loss under manager Martin Ascroft.

Defensive frailties cost the hosts in the end, and despite scoring three goals at home in front of 175 fans, they came away with nothing.

Fellow newly-promoted side Inkberrow took the lead on five minutes after a poor defensive clearance left the ball free for their midfielder to slot past George Woodward in the Kenilworth goal.

Inkberrow were then able to double their lead after more defensive sloppiness.

However, Kenilworth went into the break with fresh hope when Freeman muscled his way past two defenders to find the net past the advancing keeper.

Sporting continued to assert pressure at the start of the second 45, but were unable to find the net. Inkberrow managed to capitalise on the home team's defensive nerves and restore their two goal lead with their first attack of the half.

Substitute Connor Mack then reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a neat finish, giving the hosts fresh hope.

Kenilworth were playing all the football and it only seemed a matter of time that they would get the next goal, but defensive frailties were exposed again with a breakaway and finish to make it 4-2.

A quick change in formation then saw Kenilworth claw back a third goal when Archie Ascroft delivered a delightful ball in for substitute Alpha Wurie to volley in at the far post.

Mack had a fantastic opportunity to level the game for Kenilworth straight after the restart, but his shot was easily saved by the Inkberrow keeper.

With Kenilworth pushing hard to get a point from the game they were caught out with a big clearance and an exquisite finish in the top corner from the Inkberrow's number nine.

Whilst the three points didn't stay at Gypsy Lane, manager Ascroft was able to put the loss into perspective.

"It's not the way I wanted to lose our unbeaten home record but with so many regular first team players not available I have to accept the defeat and move on. With at least four of the eight missing today available next week, I'm hoping we can bounce back.

"It won't be easy as we host one of the favourites for promotion in Cotton Green."

Sporting will be relieved that three of their next four games all come at home, giving them a great chance to kick start their season.

Kenilworth Sporting's next fixtures:

- Cotton Green (H) August 14

- Lane Head (A) August 28