Plenty of positives for Parson Drove boss ahead of Wivenhoe clash in Thurlow Nunn First Division North

Parson Drove boss Arran Duke was full of praise for his new-look squad after a 3-2 home defeat to Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers on the opening day of the season.

Byron Adiado and Jack Kent, on his debut, found the back of the net for the hosts in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North clash while Finn Kelly, Jimmy Taylor and Josh Rivett replied for the visitors.

Duke said: "It was a pleasing display from the lads. They were clearly showing a few nerves early on but grew into the game, got the ball down and you could see the confidence building.

"It's very early days for this group but they have to use Saturday's performance as a base to build upon we pushed them all the way but couldn't find the equaliser.

"We know some games we might be taught a bit of a lesson but we will learn from those games.

"Saturday against Wivenhoe will be a different test and I expect much more physical opposition but we are looking forward to getting back out there and hopefully building on our confidence."

Drove lost both Loui Catt and Harleigh Camfield to injury early in the first half on Saturday and both are likely to be absent this weekend but goalkeeper Chris Brazil and striker Corey Kingston are due to return.

"After Saturday, we will have another three players return from holiday so we are slowly getting the group together, but with the early start to the season, holidays were always going to impact availability," admitted Duke.