Holloway: "It was a different pace and it took a while for the girls to get used to that."

NEWLY-promoted Albion ladies kicked off the Midland Combination Main League season with a 5-2 defeat at Coventry City at the weekend.

The hosts took the lead and Emma Purslow levelled before the Baggies found themselves four goals behind.

Purslow grabbed a second but it proved nothing more than a consolation.

Albion manager Chris Holloway said: "The step up was noticeable in our first game.

"It was a different pace and it took a while for the girls to get used to that.

"We were also missing a couple of our new players and had some injuries.

"But overall Coventry were a good side and now we'll look to bounce back."

The Baggies entertain Long Eaton Villa at Bromsgrove Rovers FC on Sunday (ko 2pm).