NEWTOWN failed to make home advantage count as a youthful Hampton and Arden IIs inflicted a 3-1 defeat at Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

The visitors raced into a two goal lead inside the opening five minutes as the hosts were punished for their defensive lapses.

The home side tinkered with their formation and got a foothold in the game with Rob Glasser and Conor O’Regan denied by the post before Andy Denham reduced the arrears.

The second-half saw Rhys Phillips and Sam Phillips-Harvey threaten before Town were caught on the break as Hampton added a third.

Captain Tom Hillidge said: “Our young team are learning a lot from playing quality opposition teams which we are facing weekly in a strong Midlands South Premier league.

“Hopefully we can build on this next weekend as we host Harbourn on Saturday and travel to Birmingham University on Sunday.”

Meanwhile Presteigne lost 3-1 at Whitchurch Saints IIIs in division two of the South Wales Women’s Premier League with Abi Griffiths netting a consolation.

Elsewhere Radnor suffered a day to forget in a 7-0 thrashing at home to Cardiff University IIIs in division one.

Welshpool staged a memorable fightback with goals from Sarah Thomas and Nia Mansell earning their side a point in a 2-2 draw at Ruthin.

The match was halted eight minutes early due to a head injury suffered by a Ruthin player.

Meanwhile an out of sorts Newtown slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Dysynni while Llanfair Caereinion were on the receiving end of a 7-0 thrashing on the road at Ardudwy.