THINGS are not quite going to plan for White Horse. The team, based at Mitcheldean's pub of the same name, have now lost their three opening games in contrast to Whitecroft who have won all three of theirs.

It wasn't meant to be like that, admits manager Justin Tapfield.

"We had hoped for a better start. We did not play badly at Whitecroft. It was a very competitive game which they edged so I'm confident our form and luck will improve."

Founded by Justin with Barry Rogers back in 1996, the team was originally known as Egypt Mill FC after their first sponsors.

"We were a group of friends who wanted to play football. It was really as simple as that," says Justin. In their first season they won the North Gloucester League Division Four title.

The team became the White Horse in 1999 and use the pub as their headquarters and to enjoy an after-match pint.

Justin says the team recruits as necessary. Having lost five or so players at the end of last season new ones have come in including Simon Laity, Rich Kingston and Sean Thomas.

"We have now lost three on the bounce and no-one likes that. But I'm sure we will improve. We were very competitive at Whitecroft and though they deserved to win, it was not a one-sided game," he said.

White Horse captain Justin Price netted his team's first goal and the scores were level 1 -1 at the interval. Whitecroft had the better of the second period, scoring three times. Dameon Goodwin scored for White Horse.

Whitecroft's perfect start was cemented with goals by Dean Lancaster (2), Tom Cullinane (penalty) and Stuart Akers.