Halesowen 1 Hemel Hempstead 0
Stefan Moore's solitary late strike handed Matt Clarke a fine start as new Halesowen manager in the first game of the new season at a virtually empty Grove.
The attendance slumped into double figures as a boycott and peaceful protest against the current owners led by the Yeltz Trust was heeded by most home supporters.
Hemel reached last season's play-offs but disappointed all afternoon, despite enjoying the better of the first half.
Home goalkeeper Nick Bussey made a good early save to deny Jake Gilbert and James Peagram, then touched an 11th minute free-kick on for Lewis Hilliard to drive against the post with Bussey beaten.
With Hemel still in control, centre-forward Davis Haule found himself in space but could only shoot wide. Hilliard did convert a 38th minute rebound after Bussey saved from Peagram, but the effort was ruled offside.
After the interval, a 66th minute penalty appeal from Halesowen's Matt Dodds was turned down, before a cross from substitute James Johnson was hacked clear by Daniel May five minutes later.
It was a game that appeared to be heading for stalemate, until Moore advanced down the left of the Hemel penalty area and squeezed a low drive past goalkeeper James Hasell in the 72nd minute.
The Yeltz almost added a second goal late when substitute James Johnson saw his attempted lob saved by Hasell.
