NEWTOWN’S testing start to the Midland North West Men’s League continued with a 3-1 defeat at home to Telford IIs.

Sean Huffer netted twice to give Telford the interval lead before a half-time grilling from captain Tom Hillage saw the home side hit the ground running after the break.

Town deservedly reduced the arrears when Aodon O’Regan slipped the ball to Richard Jones to net from close range.

Newtown continued to press but having failed to capitalise on a number of short corners the visitors sealed glory with a sweeping counter and goal from Jon Cook with 10 minutes remaining.

Meanwhile Jacqui Loxam starred with a hat-trick as Newtown marched to an 8-2 win at Caernarfon in the North Wales Women’s League.

Heidi Langford netted twice with Karen Lewis, Ruth Jenkins and Sian Griffiths completing the tally while the hosts hit back through Sioned Williams and Manon Williams.

However Llanfair Caereinion’s unbeaten start to the campaign came to an abrupt halt with a heavy 7-0 defeat at Ardudwy.

Clare Barwood led the rout with a hat-trick with Cari Davies adding a brace and further goals from Jenna Gallagher and Jacqueline Smith completed the scoring.

Meanwhile a Jess Goodwin double earned Presteigne a 2-1 victory over Whitchurch Saints IIs in Premier League Two of the South Wales Women’s League.

Elsewhere Radnor battled for a point in a 1-1 draw at Milford Haven in division one.

Lowri Morris and Elin Wozencraft linked up for Llinos Samuel to strike and ensure Radnor a hard fought point in Pembrokeshire.

Meanwhile Montgomery crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Shrewsbury IIs in the Shropshire Women’s League with Paula Hughes netting a consolation for the Welsh side.