Kabamba: Barrow scoreline was no fair reflection on Hawks' display

Lee Bradbury's troops were condemned to a 3-0 defeat at Holker Street in their National League curtain-raiser on Saturday.

On the back of winning the National League South title last term and a strong pre-season campaign, confidence was high in the Westleigh Park camp heading into the clash.

However, a double from Jack Hindle and Tyler Smith's close-range strike meant the Hawks made the 330-mile journey back to the south coast empty-handed.

The visitors did have their chances, with Wes Fogden having a shot saved and Alfie Pavey's cross-cum-shot hitting the post.

And Kabamba reckoned the 3-0 loss did not do Bradbruy's side any justice.

The former Pompey striker said: 'It wasn't the start we wanted but we need to stick together. We were not expecting that result.

'˜We arrived at Barrow confident but things didn't go. Things didn't go our way.

'˜Throughout the game it seemed every time we shot there was a block or a Barrow player in the way. It was a frustrating day and their goal disheartened us a little bit.

'˜We pushed for an equaliser to try to even it out and start playing but that second goal was a real sucker punch for us.

'˜3-0 wasn't a fair reflection. The first goal, hands up, they have put it in the top corner.

'˜For the second and third it was a bit frustrating for us defensively but it was never a 3-0 game.'

The loss means the Hawks sit bottom of the table after the opening day of fixtures.

Yet Kabamba insisted the Westleigh Park side won't dwell on the result after a frank post-match conversation with Bradbury and the rest of the players. 

'˜It was frustrating but we've spoken about it and we're going to put it to bed and move forward,' the marksman added.

'˜We have good character in the changing room, we'll stick together and there is a long season ahead.'