Mixed emotions for Stone as Doughboys fight back to sink battling Coleshill

But he was proud of his players' fighting spirit, and relieved to just see his team maintain their unbeaten start to the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division campaign - and secure a 13th win in 14 matches.

The Doughboys had to do it the hard way as they fought back from a dreadful start that saw them trailing 3-1 after just 28 minutes.

George Barnell had scored early to cancel out Coleshill's first-minute opener from Benjamin Usher-Shipway, but William Marshall and Charlie Manners then netted to put the visitors in charge.

George Ball pulled one back just before the break, and then 10 minutes into the second half, substitute Ethan Johnston netted to make it 3-3.

Stone's side were now flying, and Charlie Green scored to put them 4-3 in front, but Coleshill would not lie down and 10 minutes from time they made it 4-4 thanks to a Manners penalty.

The Doughboys continued to press for the winner though, and they got it on 84 minutes, with Zayn Hakeem heading home from a superb Sam Warburton cross from the left.

It was a seventh win out of seven on home soil this season, but Stone admitted to Doughboys TV: "There were lots of things that I didn't enjoy about that game.

"But then I also can't fault the lads for their conviction, and their endeavour to make sure that we won it.

"If you are 3-1 down in any game and then you win, then you have to be able to take it so I am trying really hard not to be over-critical.

"There are things that weren't great, but the work of the lads, pushing against them, pushing them back made us win that game, and I am proud of them for doing that.

"But I don't enjoy conceding four goals at home.

"There are probably lots of positives I will see another day, but we have got goal threat despite not having consistent number nine.

"Jonesy (Will Jones) has played some, Johnno (Ethan Johnston) has played some, Neo (Richard-Noel) has played some, and all have done well at different points.

"But to not have had a consistent number nine and still have a really effective front line with everybody contributing is really good. Let's hope it continues."

It was a tough watch at times for Stone, but he added: "The character is what wins that game, and the quality.

"If you have character and quality then you are going to be alright, but I would just like a little more security in some of the other areas.

"We just have to make things a little more tidy."

The win saw the Doughboys maintain their 10-point lead over second-placed Sutton Coldfield Town.

Stone's men are back in action on Tuesday night when they entertain fourth-placed Boldmere St Michaels at the Dog & Duck (ko 7.45pm).