COACH Marcel Gayle believes the University of the West Indies (UWI) FC are gradually adjusting to life in the Red Stripe Premier League.

The university outfit clinched a historic qualification to the top flight in the summer, but are struggling to get out of the relegation zone after eight games.

They currently occupy the basement position in the 12-team competition on seven points, yet Gayle reckons his charges have come a far way since their opening-day defeat by title holders Arnett Gardens.

“Coming from 3-0 (defeats) in our first two games, I think we are starting to find our feet and are now looking to compete,” said Gayle.

UWI, who have won twice and drawn once in their eight outings, lost their fifth game of the season on Sunday after they were undone by a 90th-minute Jermaine Christian strike at Humble Lion.

While Gayle expressed disappointed with the last-gasp defeat, he believed his team battled well on the road against last season’s third-placed finishers.

“I thought we played well,” he said, “but we just lost concentration in the final moments of the game, which happens sometimes”.

“Nevertheless, I have a lot of positive thoughts on our performance. Playing away to Humble Lion, I thought we matched up well, and it’s just unfortunate that we didn’t take our chances,” he added.

UWI, who also suffered defeats against leaders Montego Bay United (0-3), Rivoli United (0-1) and Waterhouse (0-3), have conceded a league-high 12 goals while scoring three times in their two victories over Portmore United (1-0) and Boys’ Town (2-1).