David Noble was left scratching his head as to why St Albans City could not turn first-half domination into a win on the opening day of the National League South season.

Saints were beaten 1-0 at home to Maidstone United, Timi Eweka's glancing header from a corner settling the contest in the 89th minute.

Before the break City had been on top but not found the net, and they were punished for that shortcoming, and the lack of a similarly strong performance after the interval.

Boss Noble said: "I'm disappointed obviously with the result. It would have been nice to win on the opening day or the worst case scenario, with the way the game was going, would be to take a point.

"It's gutting to concede from a set-piece in the 90th minute.

"It was a game of two halves really. I know it is a cliche but we were so dominant in the first half without getting a goal.

"We played some really good football and had some really good chances.

"Their keeper made a couple of saves [although] a lot of the shots were straight at him.

"I was pleased going in at half-time, we were certainly the stronger side, but to then come out and perform as we did gave the emphasis back to Maidstone.

"We couldn't look after the ball, I don't know if it was the quality we lacked or the motivation to run in behind their back-line.

"That cost us in the end and we couldn't get out."

The manner of the winning goal as well left him annoyed, with words being had among the team after the final whistle.

Noble said: "We're having the Spanish inquisition in the changing room as to whose man it was. He seemed to come from a long way.

"We have to take responsibility and we have to be better. We have to be stronger in the box."

City are back at Clarence Park on Saturday when they host Worthing.