EARLSWOOD Town began their Midland Football League Division Two campaign with a 3-1 defeat against newly-promoted AFC Solihull.
The Earls trailed by three goals before Alessandro Pierpoint saw red as Phillip Mann netted a consolation on his league debut for the club at The Pavilions.
The result means Joel Hughes’ side start their league season with a defeat against last year’s Midland Football League Division Three champions.
Solihull dominated proceedings from the off and took the lead on 26 minutes when James Reid headed a high ball past Earslwood goalkeeper Alexey Dallaway.
And Owen Williams then struck against his former club to double Solihull’s lead with a tap in from close range two minutes before half time.
Solihull sealed the points on 67 minutes when Reid grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot after Mann fouled Cherno Sey in the box.
Earls finished the game with 10-men after Pierpoint received a second yellow card before Mann powerfully headed in Harry Street’s corner to score a consolation goal for the home side.
Earlswood host Northfield Town on Saturday, August 10 with kick-off at 3pm at The Pavilions.
