NEWTOWN ended second best in a 2-0 defeat at home to Bromsgrove IIs in the South West Midlands Men’s League.

The Welsh hosts started the contest on top with Andy Denham and Sam Phillips-Harvey going close.

However the Midlands visitors snatched a breakaway goal to lead.

Tireless work in midfield from Sam Kelsey and Dai Williams failed to be rewarded and instead Bromsgrove doubled their lead with a penalty flick.

Newtown continued to attack with Gareth Preece and Aohden O’Regan going close before Conor O’Regan beat two players to reduce the arrears.

Newtown continued to press for an equaliser but Bromsgrove dug in for the points.

Captain Tom Hillidge said: ‘”his is the sort of team we need to be beating on a regular basis although I cannot fault the overall effort and endeavour of our team to overcome difficult opposition.”

Meanwhile Welshpool conceded their North Wales Women’s Cup clash at Ruthin while Newtown’s clash at Bangor University was postponed.