After a 3-1 win at Kesgrave in their first game in SIL Division One since winning promotion as champions, Clive Catchpole's side were given a harsh reminder about what stepping up a level really means.
Woolverstone still tried to play their own game in a 4-3-3 playing neatly out from the back and Marcus Lawrence and Hayden Catchpole in particular offered a threat. But all too often BROB (Bramford Road Old Boys) got to the ball first, won second balls and forced mistakes.
That said, it took a 20-yard free kick from Brandon Archer to beat keeper Paul Dennington all ends up and prove to be the winner.
BROBs had already hit the base of a post and had another goal controversially ruled out and Clive Catchpole accepted they had been beaten by the better side on the day.
Woolverstone did have an opportunity to equalise when the normally deadly Hayden Catchpole somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar from a yard out.
"They were much better than us first half but second half there asa big improvement from us.
"We know it is going to be a steep learning curve for us, especially these first five games or so against better quality sides.
"We had a good start last week and we didn't get thrashed today but we need to learn quickly.
Catchpole made two changes at half time in an attempt to shake things up and got into the game bit more after the break and came close to snatching a point.
"They deserved the win but it took a good free kick to beat us, he said. "Considering all the pressure we defended well but gave away too many corners and throw in to put ourselves under pressure
"We had a golden chance to get an equaliser but it wasn't to be."
Woolverstone made five new first team signings during the summer and manager Catchpole is confident they can compete at this level.
Catchpole said: "We are stronger in depth than last season and that should see us through. "
They go again next Saturday when they entertain Grundisburgh and officially open their new facilities.
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