PERSHORE Town went down 2-1 at Atherstone Town in their first match of the season in the Midland League Division One.

Both goals conceded were controversial penalties, the second in the last minute of injury-time.

Town started the game positively, with a much-changed squad from last season.

The hosts’ keeper was forced into saves from Anton Dimarino, Grant Baker and Dane Aldington.

At the other end, Town’s keeper Paul Maynard made two good saves to keep the game level in the first-half. Joe Walsh was ruled offside just before half time when putting the ball in the net.

Having trailed in the 60th minute, Dimarino scored, who controlled the ball while under pressure, made himself space and floated a good shot into the top corner in the 65th minute.

Town were denied a deserved point, conceding with virtually the last kick of the game.

Tuesday evening saw a disastrous first home game of the season for a significantly weakened Pershore team.

Several players were unavailable due to holiday and work commitments and the home side crashed to a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Pilkington XXX.

Town Heather St Johns on Saturday at the Winstanley King George 5th Stadium.