Colney Heath’s manager Michael Nathan was satisfied with his team’s effort after they claimed a 1-1 draw in their opening Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division game away to St Margaretsbury.

And the main reason for his satisfaction was that they played almost 60 minutes with just 10 men after Danielson Vincente was sent off.

Despite that the Magpies were arguably the better side and hit the frame of the home goal on a number of occasions.

The former St Margaretsbury man, Adam Lawton, scored on his Heath debut to secure a point.

Nathan said: “How we didn’t win I don’t know. We hit the post twice and the crossbar twice.

“We did have to give them a kick at half-time. We were trying to be too perfect so we told them to play their football.”

Nathan also admitted there is a quiet confidence about the Recreation Ground side this season.

He added: “We want to improve game by game and we can surprise some people this year.

“The club is steeped in history and we want to do it justice whether that’s fighting in the league or cups.

“We’re back in the FA Vase this year and the FA Cup next which is a massive boost for the club.

“But we’re not running before we can walk. We’re willing to learn.”

Colney Heath’s next game is on Saturday at Oxhey Jets before they host Sun Sports on Tuesday.