Cooper's keen to see improvements in defence and attack

Windsor boss Mark Cooper (right, centre) was left lamenting his side’s lack of a cutting edge as they kicked off their Hellenic Premier Division campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to local rivals Flackwell Heath.

The Royalists left Wilks Park empty handed on Tuesday evening after falling behind to a first half strike from Khalid Simmo.

The visitors produced an improved second half display but weren’t able to take the chances which fell their way, much to Cooper’s frustration.

“We weren’t clinical when the chances came to us and we didn’t make the keeper work enough,” said Cooper.

“It’s a shame because we were the better side in the second half but we just couldn’t capitalise.

“There wasn’t much football played in the first half and they (Flackwell Heath) were quite direct. Their back four played excellently and put in a great defensive shift.

“But we had good possession and we played a lot more in the second half.

“The message at half time was to get the ball down and play to our strengths. We had our chances and we didn’t take them.”

Cooper said the defeat also highlighted the need for defensive improvements. He said: “One of the things we really want to build is a solid platform at the back,” added Cooper.

“Defensively we want to be much better than we were last year. I thought Tuesday night was a good sign but we need to start building clean sheets. We’re very focused and determined on doing that moving forward.”

Windsor host Long Buckby AFC in the FA Vase this Saturday.